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
Probezzia pallida
Probezzia pallida is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Malloch in 1914. It belongs to the genus Probezzia, a group of small blood-feeding flies commonly known as no-see-ums or punkies. The species is part of the tribe Sphaeromiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Probezzia xanthogaster
Probezzia xanthogaster is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Jean-Jacques Kieffer in 1917. The species belongs to the genus Probezzia, a group of small, blood-feeding flies within the tribe Sphaeromiini. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only two records in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Procecidochares flavipes
Procecidochares flavipes is a species of tephritid fruit fly in the genus Procecidochares, family Tephritidae. It was described by Aldrich in 1929. The species belongs to a genus known for gall-inducing behavior on plants, though specific details for this species are limited. It occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Mexico.
Proceroplatus elegans
Proceroplatus elegans is a species of fungus gnat in the family Keroplatidae, described by Coquillett in 1895. Members of this family are commonly known as fungus gnats or predatory fungus gnats, with larvae that typically inhabit moist environments and feed on fungi or other small organisms. The genus Proceroplatus belongs to the tribe Orfeliini within the subfamily Keroplatinae. As with many Keroplatidae, the species likely exhibits bioluminescent properties in its larval stage, a characteristic feature of some members of this family.
Prochyliza brevicornis
cheese skipper
Prochyliza brevicornis is a species of cheese skipper in the family Piophilidae. Like other members of this family, its larvae are known for their distinctive "skipping" locomotion, achieved by grasping their posterior end with their mouthparts and suddenly releasing to catapult themselves away from threats. The species is part of a group commonly associated with decomposing fatty tissues, particularly in cheese and carrion.
Prochyliza nigrimana
Prochyliza nigrimana is a species of cheese skipper in the family Piophilidae, a group known for larvae that can propel themselves by curling into a loop and releasing suddenly. The species was described by Meigen in 1826. Like other members of the genus Prochyliza, it is associated with carrion and decomposing animal matter.
Prochyliza varipes
waltzing fly
Prochyliza varipes is a species of piophilid fly commonly known as the waltzing fly. Males exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism with elongated, conical heads and long antennae used in territorial combat. The species is associated with carrion, particularly decomposing animal remains. It is most active in early spring, often appearing when melting snow exposes winter-killed animals.
Proctacanthella exquisita
Proctacanthella exquisita is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1887. As a member of the genus Proctacanthella, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for their active hunting behavior. The specific epithet "exquisita" suggests distinctive or refined characteristics, though detailed species-level documentation remains limited.
Proctacanthella robusta
Proctacanthella robusta is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1951. The genus Proctacanthella comprises predatory flies characterized by their robust build and predatory habits. As a member of the Asilidae family, this species is presumed to be an active aerial predator of other insects.
Proctacanthus
Marauders
Proctacanthus is a genus of large robber flies (family Asilidae) comprising approximately 18 described species distributed primarily in North America. These predatory insects are characterized by their robust build, prominent facial beard, and aggressive hunting behavior. The genus name translates from Greek as 'spiny butt' or 'spiny rear', referring to a distinctive morphological feature. Species within this genus are notable for their ferocious predation on other insects, with some species showing strong dietary preferences for particular prey types such as grasshoppers.
Proctacanthus hinei
Western Red-tailed Marauder
Proctacanthus hinei is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) known as the Western Red-tailed Marauder. It belongs to a genus of large, predatory flies characterized by prominent beards and aggressive hunting behavior. The species is distinguished from congeners by reddish femora and occurrence in the central United States. Like other Proctacanthus species, it preys primarily on other insects and has a life cycle involving soil-dwelling larvae.
Proctacanthus micans
Proctacanthus micans is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to a genus of large, predatory flies characterized by prominent facial beards and spiny abdomens. The genus name translates to 'spiny butt' in reference to this abdominal armature. Like other Proctacanthus species, it is presumed to be an active predator of other insects and to have a life cycle involving soil-dwelling larvae.
Proctacanthus nigriventris
Proctacanthus nigriventris is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. Like other members of the genus Proctacanthus, it is a large, predatory fly. The genus name derives from Greek, referring to the spiny appearance of the abdomen. Species in this genus are known for their aggressive predatory behavior and soil-associated life cycle.
Proctacanthus occidentalis
Proctacanthus occidentalis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Hine in 1911. The genus Proctacanthus comprises large, predatory flies characterized by a prominent mystax (beard) on the face. Species in this genus are known to lay eggs in soil crevices, with larvae feeding on soil-dwelling insects and organic matter. P. occidentalis is one of several species in the genus distributed across North America, though specific details distinguishing it from congeners remain limited in available literature.
Proctacanthus philadelphicus
northeastern marauder
Proctacanthus philadelphicus, commonly known as the northeastern marauder, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. As with other members of the genus Proctacanthus, this species is a large, predatory fly. Robber flies in this genus are characterized by their prominent facial beards and aggressive hunting behavior. The specific epithet 'philadelphicus' suggests an association with the Philadelphia region, indicating part of its geographic range.
Proctacanthus rodecki
Proctacanthus rodecki is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by James in 1933. It belongs to a genus of large, predatory flies known for their robust build and prominent facial beard. Like other members of Proctacanthus, this species is presumed to be a formidable aerial predator. The genus name translates to "spiny butt," referring to a characteristic abdominal feature.
Proctacanthus rufus
eastern red-tailed marauder
Proctacanthus rufus, commonly known as the eastern red-tailed marauder, is a predatory robber fly in the family Asilidae. The species was described by Samuel Wendell Williston in 1885. Like other Asilidae, it is an aerial predator that captures prey in flight. The common name references its reddish abdominal coloration and its distribution in eastern North America.
Prodiplosis violicola
Prodiplosis violicola is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by Coquillett in 1900. As a member of the genus Prodiplosis, it belongs to a group of cecidomyiids known for inducing galls on host plants. The species epithet 'violicola' suggests an association with Viola species (violets), though specific host relationships require verification.
Prolatiforceps
Prolatiforceps is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) established by Martin in 1975. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Asilinae and tribe Asilini. The genus is rarely documented, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist. As with other robber flies, species in this genus are predatory as adults.
Prolatiforceps fulviventris
Prolatiforceps fulviventris is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, originally described as Asilus fulviventris by Schäffer in 1916. The species was later transferred to the genus Prolatiforceps. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects characterized by their robust build, strong flying ability, and raptorial legs adapted for capturing prey in flight. As a member of the subfamily Asilinae, it belongs to one of the most diverse groups of robber flies.
Promachella pilosa
Promachella pilosa is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1937. The genus Promachella is a small group within the diverse Asilidae, with limited published information on its biology and ecology. As with other robber flies, this species is presumed to be a predatory insect, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain undocumented in available sources.
Promachus aldrichii
Promachus aldrichii is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. It belongs to the genus Promachus, commonly known as the 'giant robber flies,' which are large, conspicuous predatory flies. Like other members of its genus, it is a formidable aerial predator capable of capturing a wide range of flying insects. The species was described by Hine in 1911.
Promachus atrox
robber fly
Promachus atrox is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1940. Like other members of the genus Promachus, it belongs to the group commonly known as "giant robber flies." The species is part of a diverse genus of predatory flies known for their aggressive hunting behavior and large size relative to other asilids. Specific details about its biology and distribution remain limited in published sources.
Promachus painteri
Promachus painteri is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Bromley in 1934. It belongs to the genus Promachus, commonly known as "giant robber flies," which are conspicuous aerial predators. The species is part of the diverse Asilidae family, whose members are known for their predatory behavior on other insects. Specific details about P. painteri's biology and distribution remain limited in published sources.
Promachus sackeni
Promachus sackeni is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The genus Promachus comprises large, conspicuous predatory flies commonly known as 'giant robber flies.' Like other members of this genus, P. sackeni is a formidable aerial predator capable of capturing substantial flying prey. The species was described by Hine in 1911.
Prorates
Prorates is a genus of small predatory flies in the family Scenopinidae (window flies), established by Melander in 1906. The genus belongs to the subfamily Proratinae, which is characterized by distinctive morphological features and predatory habits. Members of this genus are poorly known biologically, with limited published information on their ecology and behavior. The genus is distinguished from other scenopinid genera primarily by structural characteristics of the head, antennae, and male terminalia.
Prosena
Prosena is a genus of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) within the tribe Dexiini. The genus comprises approximately 30 described species distributed across multiple continents. As with other tachinids, members of this genus are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain largely undocumented in published literature. The genus was established by Le Peletier and Audinet-Serville in 1828.
Prosenoides
Prosenoides is a genus of tachinid flies established by Brauer and Bergenstamm in 1891. The genus comprises 12 described species distributed across the Americas. As members of the Dexiini tribe, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host records for most Prosenoides species remain poorly documented.
Prosimulium mixtum
Mixed-up Black Fly
Prosimulium mixtum is a species of black fly in the family Simuliidae, commonly known as the mixed-up black fly. It is native to North America and has been studied in the context of spring snowmelt environments and physiological responses to environmental stressors. The species is part of the Prosimulium fuscum/mixtum complex, which has historically caused taxonomic confusion. Adults are small blood-feeding flies, with females requiring blood meals for egg development.
Protaxymyia
Protaxymyia is a genus of flies in the family Axymyiidae, established by Mamaev and Krivosheina in 1966. This genus belongs to a small, relictual family of Diptera whose members are associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats. Species within Protaxymyia are poorly known, with limited published biological information available.
Protaxymyja thuja
Protaxymyia thuja is a species of fly in the family Axymyiidae, a small and poorly known family of primitive nematoceran Diptera. The species was described in 2014 by Fitzgerald and Wood. Axymyiid flies are typically associated with decaying wood in forested habitats, though specific details for this species remain limited. The family is considered one of the most basal lineages within the true flies.
Protocalliphora bennetti
Protocalliphora bennetti is a species of blow fly in the family Calliphoridae, described by Whitworth in 2002. The genus Protocalliphora comprises nest parasites of birds, with larvae developing in the blood of nestling birds. This species is one of approximately 20 recognized species in the genus, which are distributed primarily in the Holarctic region. Like congeners, P. bennetti likely exhibits the characteristic life history of bird nest parasitism that defines the genus.
Protodejeania echinata
Protodejeania echinata is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, a family of parasitoid flies commonly known as tachinid flies. The species is known from North America. Like other tachinids, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host records for this species appear to be limited in the available literature.
Psectrosciarinae
Psectrosciarinae is a subfamily of minute black scavenger flies within the family Scatopsidae (order Diptera). These small, dark-colored flies are poorly studied compared to other scatopsid groups, with limited biological and ecological documentation available. The subfamily is distinguished from the nominate subfamily Scatopsinae primarily by subtle morphological differences in wing venation and genitalic structures. Most species are associated with decaying organic matter and moist microhabitats.
Psellidotus annamariae
soldier fly
Psellidotus annamariae is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Brimley in 1925. It belongs to the subfamily Stratiomyinae and tribe Stratiomyini. The genus Psellidotus is closely related to Odontomyia and Hedriodiscus, with species boundaries becoming less distinct in the Neotropics. Like other stratiomyine soldier flies, adults typically exhibit strikingly patterned eyes with horizontal banding, a trait associated with detection of horizontally polarized light and linked to aquatic larval habitats.
Psellidotus defectus
Psellidotus defectus is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Stratiomyinae. The genus Psellidotus belongs to the tribe Stratiomyini and is closely related to Hedriodiscus, with which it can be difficult to distinguish in the Neotropics. Like other members of the subfamily Stratiomyinae, the larvae are aquatic. Adults are known to visit flowers, and species in this genus exhibit strikingly patterned eyes with horizontal banding, an adaptation associated with detection of horizontally polarized light that may aid in locating aquatic habitats for oviposition.
Psellidotus novella
Psellidotus novella is a soldier fly species in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Stratiomyinae. The genus Psellidotus belongs to the tribe Stratiomyini, a group characterized by aquatic larvae and adults that often exhibit striking eye patterns. Species in this genus are poorly known in the Neotropics, with most known only from original descriptions. The specific epithet "novella" suggests a relatively recent description, though detailed published information on this particular species remains limited.
Pseudacteon curvatus
fire ant decapitating fly, little decapitating fly
Pseudacteon curvatus is a small phorid fly parasitoid known as the 'little decapitating fly' due to its life cycle in which mature larvae cause decapitation of host fire ants upon emergence. Native to South America, it has been introduced to the United States as a classical biological control agent against invasive imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta and S. richteri). The species exhibits host specificity toward Solenopsis fire ants and has been the subject of extensive research on laboratory rearing methods, host preference behavior, and field establishment following releases.
Pseudiastata
Pseudiastata is a genus of vinegar flies in the family Drosophilidae, containing approximately 11 described species. The genus was established by Coquillett in 1908 and belongs to the subfamily Steganinae. At least one species has been documented as a predator of mealybugs in agricultural settings.
Pseudiastata nebulosa
Pseudiastata nebulosa is a small fruit fly species in the family Drosophilidae, first described by Coquillett in 1908. It belongs to the subfamily Steganinae, a group of drosophilid flies often associated with decaying organic matter and fungal substrates. The species is part of a genus whose members are poorly known biologically, with limited published information on their ecology or behavior.
Pseudocalliope
Yucca Flies
Pseudocalliope is a genus of flies in the family Lauxaniidae, established by Malloch in 1928. Members are commonly known as Yucca Flies. The genus belongs to a family of small to medium-sized flies often associated with vegetation.
Pseudogaurax signatus
frit fly
Pseudogaurax signatus is a species of frit fly in the family Chloropidae, first described by Loew in 1876. The species has been documented as a parasite of spider egg sacs, specifically those of the black and yellow garden spider Argiope aurantia. This parasitic relationship was recorded in a 1993 study by Lockley and Young, which identified P. signatus as one of the chief parasites emerging from A. aurantia egg sacs alongside the ichneumon wasp Tromatopia rufopectus. The species belongs to a genus that includes other parasitoid members, with the congeneric species Pseudogaurax paratolmos being the first chloropid fly discovered to parasitize ants.
Pseudoleria
Pseudoleria is a genus of true flies in the family Heleomyzidae, established by Garrett in 1921. The genus belongs to the subfamily Heleomyzinae and is part of the diverse assemblage of saprophagous and detritivorous flies within this family. Larval biology has been documented for at least one species, Pseudoleria crassata, indicating development in decaying organic matter. The genus is represented by moderate observation records, suggesting established but not extensively studied populations.
Pseudoleria parvitarsus
Pseudoleria parvitarsus is a species of fly in the family Heleomyzidae, described by Garrett in 1925. It belongs to a small genus of flies whose biology remains poorly documented. The species name "parvitarsus" refers to reduced or small tarsal structures. Very few records of this species exist in public databases.
Pseudoleria pectinata
Pseudoleria pectinata is a species of fly in the family Heleomyzidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as heleomyzid flies or lesser dung flies. The species was described by Hermann Loew in 1872. Heleomyzidae are typically associated with decaying organic matter and are found in various terrestrial habitats.
Pseudoleria robusta
Pseudoleria robusta is a species of true fly in the family Heleomyzidae, described by Garrett in 1925. It belongs to the subfamily Heleomyzinae within the order Diptera. The genus Pseudoleria is part of a diverse family of flies commonly associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats. Very little specific biological information is documented for this particular species.
Pseudolimnophila inornata
Pseudolimnophila inornata is a species of limoniid crane fly in the family Limoniidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1869 under the basionym Limnophila inornata. The species is recognized as having two subspecies: the nominate P. i. inornata and P. i. vidua Alexander, 1943. As a member of the Limoniidae, it belongs to a diverse family of slender, long-legged crane flies commonly found in moist habitats.
Pseudonomoneura
Pseudonomoneura is a genus of mydas flies (family Mydidae) comprising seven described species distributed in western North America, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The genus was established by Bequaert in 1961 to accommodate species previously placed in related genera. Adults are generally robust, moderately sized flies with distinctive wing venation characteristic of the family.
Pseudopachychaeta
grass flies
Pseudopachychaeta is a genus of grass flies in the family Chloropidae, established by Strobl in 1902. The genus contains at least one described species, P. approximatonervis. It is classified within the tribe Diplotoxini, subfamily Chloropinae. Records indicate presence in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Pseudoscaeva diversifasciata
Silver-banded Hover Fly
Pseudoscaeva diversifasciata, commonly known as the Silver-banded Hover Fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The genus Pseudoscaeva contains relatively few species and is distinguished from the similar genus Scaeva by subtle morphological differences. This species exhibits Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera, a common trait among syrphid flies. Observations suggest it occurs in the Americas, though detailed natural history documentation remains limited.