Do mosquitoes have any redeeming qualities? What stops us from completely eradicating them from off the face of the earth? What good are mosquitoes?
Diptera
- David Bradt shares his experiences as an entomologist in the US Army.
- Spencer Doepel of Ecoflys talks about the black soldier fly, its life cycle, and how to rear it.
Guides
Platypezoidea
Platypezoidea is a superfamily of true flies within the section Aschiza of the suborder Brachycera. Adults lack the ptilinum—a sac-like structure used by Schizophora to emerge from the puparium—and therefore do not possess the characteristic inverted-U-shaped ptilinal suture above the antennae. The superfamily contains five families: Phoridae (coffin and scuttle flies), Opetiidae (flat-footed flies), Ironomyiidae (ironic flies), Lonchopteridae (spear-winged or pointed-wing flies), and Platypezidae (flat-footed flies). Some classifications separate Ironomyiidae, Lonchopteridae, and Phoridae as the distinct superfamily Phoroidea.
Platyplastinx
Platyplastinx is a genus of moth flies in the family Psychodidae, established by Enderlein in 1937. The genus is poorly documented in the scientific literature, with only 11 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Members of this genus belong to the diverse group of Psychodidae, commonly known as drain flies or moth flies due to their hairy wings and bodies. Specific ecological and biological details for Platyplastinx remain largely unstudied.
Platystomatidae
Signal Flies
Platystomatidae, commonly known as signal flies, is a family of acalyptrate Diptera in the superfamily Tephritoidea. The family comprises approximately 1200 species in 127 genera, with highest diversity in tropical regions, particularly the Australasian and Afrotropical realms. Adults are characterized by distinctive wing patterns and often metallic coloration. Many species exhibit elaborate sexual dimorphisms, including extreme head modifications in males used in agonistic interactions. The family is notable for convergent evolution of eyestalks with Diopsidae, though developed through different morphological pathways.
Plaumannimyia
Plaumannimyia is a genus of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, established by Hering in 1938. The genus contains three described species distributed in Mexico, Guatemala, and Brazil. As members of Tephritidae, these flies likely exhibit the characteristic wing patterning and body form typical of the family, though specific morphological details for the genus remain poorly documented in available literature.
Plecia
Lovebugs, March flies
Plecia is a genus of march flies in the family Bibionidae, commonly known as lovebugs. Several species, particularly Plecia nearctica, are notable for their distinctive mating behavior where males and females remain coupled in flight for hours or days. Adults are small flies, typically 6-9 mm long, with sexual dimorphism in head size—males possess large, bulbous compound eyes while females have relatively tiny heads. The genus includes both extant and fossil species, with fossil records dating from the Cretaceous through the Pleistocene. Some species have become significant nuisance pests due to their mass emergences and attraction to automobile exhaust.
Plesiomma unicolor
Plesiomma unicolor is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Loew in 1866. As a member of this predatory family, it likely exhibits the characteristic hunting behavior typical of asilid flies. The species epithet "unicolor" suggests uniform coloration. Available records indicate it is a rarely observed species with limited documentation.
Plethochaeta
Plethochaeta is a genus of dung flies in the family Scathophagidae, established by Daniel William Coquillett in 1901. The genus belongs to the subfamily Scathophaginae and contains species whose biology remains poorly documented. Members of this genus are part of the diverse assemblage of calyptrate flies associated with decomposing organic matter.
Plunomia
Plunomia is a genus of flies in the family Chamaemyiidae, described by Curran in 1934. Members of this family are commonly known as aphid flies or chammy flies, many of which are predators or parasitoids of aphids and other Homoptera. The genus is rarely encountered and poorly represented in collections, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist. Chamaemyiidae as a whole are small, delicate flies that occupy a specialized ecological niche as biological control agents.
Poecilanthrax alcyon
bee fly
Poecilanthrax alcyon is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It is widely distributed across North America, occurring from Canada through the United States to Mexico. The species belongs to a genus whose larvae develop as parasites inside caterpillars, primarily of the family Noctuidae.
Poecilanthrax arethusa
Poecilanthrax arethusa is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. As a member of the genus Poecilanthrax, it is likely a parasitoid whose larvae develop within caterpillars, though specific host records for this species are not well documented. Bee flies in this genus are typically univoltine in natural habitats. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1886.
Poecilanthrax bicellata
Poecilanthrax bicellata is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) in the subfamily Anthracinae. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American, with the greatest diversity in the Great Basin region. Like other members of the genus, this species likely develops as a parasitoid of noctuid caterpillars, though specific host records for P. bicellata remain unconfirmed. Adults are typically observed visiting flowers.
Poecilanthrax effrenus
Poecilanthrax effrenus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Anthracinae, tribe Villini. The species was described by Coquillett in 1887. It has been documented in the southwestern United States, particularly in Texas. The genus Poecilanthrax comprises predatory bee flies whose larvae develop as parasitoids or predators of other insects.
Poecilanthrax eremicus
Poecilanthrax eremicus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Painter & Hall in 1960. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American, with greatest species diversity in the Great Basin region. Like other members of this genus, adults likely parasitize caterpillars of noctuid moths. The specific epithet 'eremicus' suggests an association with arid or desert habitats.
Poecilanthrax fasciatus
Poecilanthrax fasciatus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Johnson & Johnson in 1957. As a member of the genus Poecilanthrax, it belongs to the tribe Villini within the subfamily Anthracinae. Bee flies in this family are generally known as parasitoids, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Poecilanthrax fuliginosus
Poecilanthrax fuliginosus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Anthracinae. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American in distribution, with the greatest species abundance in the Great Basin region. Larvae of Poecilanthrax species develop as parasitoids inside caterpillars, primarily of cutworms and armyworms in the family Noctuidae. The specific epithet "fuliginosus" (sooty or soot-black) suggests dark coloration, though detailed species-level description is limited in available sources.
Poecilanthrax poecilogaster
Poecilanthrax poecilogaster is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1886. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American, with the greatest diversity in the Great Basin region. Like other members of this genus, P. poecilogaster likely develops as a parasitoid of noctuid caterpillars, though specific host records for this species remain unconfirmed. Adults are typically observed visiting flowers or perching on vegetation in open, sunny habitats.
Poecilanthrax tegminipennis
bee fly
Poecilanthrax tegminipennis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It is widespread across Canada and the United States. The genus Poecilanthrax is strictly North American, with the greatest abundance of species and individuals in the Great Basin region. Like other members of the genus, P. tegminipennis is presumed to have larvae that develop as parasites inside caterpillars, though specific host records for this species are not documented.
Poeciloderas quadripunctatus
Poeciloderas quadripunctatus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. The species is distributed from Mexico to Argentina, with numerous records across Brazil. Like other tabanids, it belongs to a family of biting flies known for their blood-feeding behavior.
Poecilognathini
Poecilognathini is a tribe of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) established by Evenhuis in 1990. Members are classified within the subfamily Phthiriinae. The tribe contains multiple genera of small to medium-sized flies that share distinctive morphological features related to wing venation and body structure. The group is primarily distributed in the New World tropics and subtropics.
Poecilognathus badius
Poecilognathus badius is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The genus Poecilognathus belongs to this diverse family of true flies, whose larvae are predominantly parasitoids of other insects. Information specific to this species is extremely limited in available sources.
Poecilognathus damfino
Poecilognathus damfino is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, subfamily Phthiriinae, described by Evenhuis in 2024. The genus Poecilognathus is part of the tribe Poecilognathini, a group of small to medium-sized bee flies characterized by their distinctive wing venation and often metallic coloration. As a recently described species, specific details about its biology and distribution remain limited.
Poecilographa decora
Poecilographa decora is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, first described by Loew in 1864. The genus Poecilographa is part of the tribe Tetanocerini within the subfamily Sciomyzinae. This species belongs to a family commonly known as snail-killing flies, though specific ecological details for P. decora remain poorly documented.
Poecilolycia
Poecilolycia is a genus of small flies in the family Lauxaniidae, established by Shewell in 1986. The genus is primarily distributed in the Southern Hemisphere, with records from the Afrotropical and Australasian regions. As a member of Lauxaniidae, species in this genus likely inhabit forested environments where their larvae develop in decaying plant matter.
Poecilominettia
Poecilominettia is a genus of small flies in the family Lauxaniidae, established by Hendel in 1932. The genus contains more than 60 described species, placing it among the more species-rich genera in its family. Members are found across various regions, though detailed species-level distributions remain incompletely documented. Like other lauxaniid flies, they are associated with decomposing plant matter and fungal habitats.
Poecilominettia slossonae
Poecilominettia slossonae is a species of lauxaniid fly in the family Lauxaniidae. It was described by Coquillett in 1898. Lauxaniid flies are generally small to medium-sized, often with patterned wings, and are primarily associated with decaying plant material. This species is part of a genus containing multiple North American species.
Poecilominettia valida
Poecilominettia valida is a species of fly in the family Lauxaniidae, originally described by Francis Walker in 1858. The genus Poecilominettia belongs to a family of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as lauxaniid flies, many of which are associated with decomposing plant material. Based on iNaturalist records, this species has been documented in at least 58 observations, suggesting it is not exceptionally rare, though detailed ecological studies remain limited.
Poecilosomella angulata
lesser dung fly
Poecilosomella angulata is a species of lesser dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae. It has been recorded as a host for the parasitoid wasp Pachycrepoideus vindemmiae in Brazil, where it develops in cattle manure. The species is known from South Africa and Brazil based on available distribution records.
Pogonortalis
signal flies
Pogonortalis is a genus of signal flies (family Platystomatidae) containing approximately seven described species. Members of this genus are found primarily in the Australasian region. The genus was established by Hendel in 1911. Species within Pogonortalis share the characteristic features of Platystomatidae, including prominent patterned wings used in signaling displays.
Pogonosoma
robber flies
Pogonosoma is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Camillo Rondani in 1856. The genus comprises approximately 17 described species. Members of this genus are predatory dipterans that capture other insects in flight. As part of the diverse Asilidae family, they share the characteristic robust body form and predatory habits typical of robber flies.
Pogonosoma dorsatum
Eastern Black Chiselmouth
Pogonosoma dorsatum is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) commonly known as the Eastern Black Chiselmouth. The species was originally described as Laphria dorsata by Thomas Say in 1824 before being transferred to the genus Pogonosoma. As a member of the Asilidae, it belongs to a family of predatory flies known for aggressive hunting behavior.
Pogonosoma ridingsi
Pogonosoma ridingsi is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Cresson in 1920. Members of this genus are characterized by distinctively modified facial structures. As with other asilids, this species is presumed to be an active aerial predator.
Polacantha
Polacantha is a genus of robber flies (Asilidae) established by Martin in 1975. The genus contains approximately 10 described species distributed primarily in the Americas. Species in this genus are predatory flies that hunt other insects in flight. Most species were described by Martin in his 1975 revision of the genus.
Polacantha arcuata
Polacantha arcuata is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Martin in 1975. The species belongs to a genus of predatory flies known for their robust morphology and aerial hunting behavior. Very few documented observations of this species exist in public databases.
Polacantha composita
Polacantha composita is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, originally described as Asilus compositus by Hine in 1918. Robber flies are predatory dipterans known for their agile flight and aggressive hunting behavior. The genus Polacantha is part of this diverse family of aerial predators.
Polacantha grossa
Polacantha grossa is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Martin in 1975. The species belongs to the subfamily Asilinae and tribe Asilini. As with other robber flies, it is a predatory insect that captures prey in flight. The genus Polacantha is part of the diverse asilid fauna, though specific details about this particular species remain limited in published literature.
Pollenia
cluster flies, attic flies
Pollenia is a genus of blow flies commonly known as cluster flies or attic flies. Unlike typical carrion-feeding blow flies, these insects are parasitoids or predators of earthworms and other invertebrates. Adults are medium-sized flies that frequently enter buildings in autumn to overwinter in sheltered locations, becoming active on warm winter days and emerging in spring. The genus contains approximately six species in North America, with Pollenia rudis and P. pediculata being most common. Species identification requires microscopic examination of setae patterns.
Polybiomyia bellardii
Red-legged Wasp Fly
A small hoverfly (Syrphidae) known for its striking wasp-mimicking appearance. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of vespid wasps, with a slender body and contrasting coloration. Adults have been documented across multiple observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited. The common name refers to its distinctive red leg coloration.
Polybiomyia townsendi
Yellowshield Wasp Fly
Polybiomyia townsendi is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, subfamily Eristalinae, tribe Cerioidini. It is commonly known as the Yellowshield Wasp Fly. The species was described by Snow in 1895 and is currently accepted as valid. Like other members of the genus Polybiomyia, it is a wasp-mimicking syrphid fly. The genus belongs to a group of hoverflies that exhibit Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera.
Polymera
Polymera is a genus of crane flies (Diptera: Limoniidae) established by Wiedemann in 1821. The genus contains approximately 60 described species organized into two subgenera: Polymera (sensu stricto) and Polymerodes. Species occur across the Americas, with numerous taxa described by Charles Paul Alexander throughout the 20th century. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation and genitalic structures typical of the Limnophilinae subfamily.
Polypedilum illinoense
Polypedilum illinoense is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, originally described by Malloch in 1915 from Illinois. As a member of the large genus Polypedilum, it is part of a diverse group of aquatic insects whose larvae inhabit freshwater environments. The species is known from observational records across North America, though detailed biological studies remain limited. Adults are small, delicate flies that do not feed, while larvae are aquatic detritivores.
Polypedilum ontario
Polypedilum ontario is a non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, described by Walley in 1926. As a member of the genus Polypedilum, it belongs to one of the most diverse and widespread genera of chironomid midges. The species name reflects its type locality in Ontario, Canada. Like other chironomids, its larvae are aquatic and serve as important indicators of water quality in freshwater ecosystems.
Polypedilum sordens
Polypedilum sordens is a non-biting midge species in the family Chironomidae, originally described by van der Wulp in 1874 as Tanytarsus sordens. It belongs to the subgenus Pentapedilum and is the namesake of the 'sordens group,' a monophyletic clade of 13 species distributed across Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and Africa. The species has documented presence in Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden).
Polyporivora
flat-footed flies
Polyporivora is a genus of flat-footed flies (Platypezidae) comprising approximately eight described species. The genus is distinguished by its obligate association with polypore fungi, where larvae develop within host fruiting bodies. Species occur primarily in the Holarctic region, with documented records from Europe, including recent rediscoveries in Central and Southern Europe. The genus was established by Kessel & Maggioncalda in 1968.
Polystepha
Polystepha is a genus of gall midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, established by Kieffer in 1897. The genus contains more than 20 described species. Like other gall midges, species in this genus are likely associated with plant tissue modification, though specific biological details for most species remain poorly documented.
Polystepha globosa
Polystepha globosa is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, a group of small flies known for inducing galls on plants. The species was described by Felt in 1909. Gall midges in this genus are associated with oak species (Quercus), where larvae develop within plant tissue and cause characteristic gall formations.
Porricondylinae
gall midges, wood midges
Porricondylinae is a subfamily of gall midges and wood midges in the family Cecidomyiidae (Diptera). Members are primarily mycophagous (fungus-feeding), with larvae developing in decaying wood, fungi, or other organic substrates. The subfamily contains three tribes—Asynaptini, Dicerurini, and Porricondylini—encompassing over 100 described genera. Many species exhibit distinctive roosting behavior on spider webs, where they suspend themselves from non-sticky foundation threads to avoid predation.
Primavera porrecta
Primavera porrecta is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, a family known for inducing plant galls. The genus Primavera is poorly documented, and this species has been recorded in only three observations on iNaturalist. Like other cecidomyiids, it likely has a complex life cycle involving larval development within plant tissue. The species name "porrecta" refers to something extended or stretched forward, possibly alluding to morphological features.
Prionocera
Prionocera is a genus of crane flies (family Tipulidae) established by Loew in 1844. The genus contains approximately 22 described species distributed primarily across the Holarctic region. Species have been described from North America, Europe, and East Asia. The genus is characterized by features of the male genitalia, particularly the structure of the ninth tergite and gonostyli.
Pritchardomyia
Pritchardomyia is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Wilcox in 1965. The genus contains at least one described species, Pritchardomyia vespoides. As members of Asilidae, species in this genus are predatory flies. The genus is relatively poorly documented in scientific literature.
Probezzia albitibia
Probezzia albitibia is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Wirth in 1971. It is one of approximately 30 described species in the genus Probezzia, a group of small, blood-feeding or predatory flies. The species is documented from North America.