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
Pseudoseioptera
Pseudoseioptera is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Stackelberg in 1955. The genus includes at least four described species: P. albipes, P. colon, P. dubiosa, and P. ingrica. Members of this genus possess the characteristic patterned wings typical of Ulidiidae. One species, P. albipes, has been documented from Massachusetts.
Pseudoseioptera albipes
Pseudoseioptera albipes is a picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, a group known for their distinctive wing patterns and display behaviors. The species name 'albipes' refers to white feet, suggesting pale tarsi that may aid in identification. Like other ulidiids, it likely exhibits characteristic wing-flicking behavior during courtship. The species has been documented in Massachusetts, indicating an eastern North American distribution.
Pseudotephritina
Pseudotephritina is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Malloch in 1931. The genus contains at least two described species: P. cribellum (Loew, 1873) and P. inaequalis (Malloch, 1931). As members of the Ulidiidae family, these flies possess characteristically patterned wings that serve in species recognition and courtship displays. The genus is distinguished from related ulidiid genera by specific wing venation and body proportions, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Pseudotephritina cribellum
picture-winged fly
Pseudotephritina cribellum is a species of ulidiid fly, commonly known as a picture-winged fly, in the family Ulidiidae. The species was first described by Hermann Loew in 1873 and was originally placed in the genus Myennis before being reassigned to Pseudotephritina. Like other members of its family, it possesses distinctive patterned wings that give the group its common name. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented in published literature.
Pseudotephritis approximata
picture-winged fly
Pseudotephritis approximata is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae. It belongs to a group of flies known for their patterned wings. The species is known from a limited number of U.S. states in the eastern and midwestern regions. Observations suggest it is a rarely encountered species with sparse documentation.
Pseudotephritis corticalis
Pseudotephritis corticalis is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Loew in 1873. The species is known from a restricted distribution in Northern Europe, with records from Germany, Denmark, Norway, and northwest Russia. As a member of the Otitinae subfamily, it belongs to a group of flies characterized by patterned wings. The species has been documented in 76 iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is not exceptionally rare within its range.
Pseudotephritis vau
picture-winged fly
Pseudotephritis vau is a species of picture-winged fly in the family Ulidiidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1830 under the name Ortalis vau. The species is known from the northeastern United States and Canada, with confirmed records from Vermont and other parts of the U.S.
Psila atrata
Psila atrata is a species of rust fly in the family Psilidae, described by Melander in 1920. The genus Psila comprises small to medium-sized flies commonly associated with plant roots and decaying organic matter. Species in this family are generally poorly studied, and specific biological details for P. atrata remain largely undocumented in available literature. The species name 'atrata' refers to the dark or black coloration typical of this taxon.
Psila dimidiata
Psila dimidiata is a species of rust fly in the family Psilidae, order Diptera. The species was described by Loew in 1869. As a member of the Psilidae family, it belongs to a group of true flies commonly known as rust flies or carrot flies, many of which are associated with umbelliferous plants. The genus Psila contains multiple species, some of which are agricultural pests.
Psila fallax
Psila fallax is a species of rust fly in the family Psilidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies commonly associated with decomposing organic matter and fungal habitats. The species was originally described as Loxocera fallax by Loew in 1869 before being transferred to the genus Psila. Rust flies in this family are generally poorly studied, and detailed natural history information for most species remains scarce.
Psila lateralis
Psila lateralis is a species of rust fly in the family Psilidae, first described by Loew in 1860. The species belongs to the genus Psila, a group of small flies commonly known as rust flies due to their association with plants. Limited specific information is available regarding the biology and ecology of this particular species.
Psila levis
Psila levis is a species of rust fly in the family Psilidae, described by Loew in 1869. It belongs to the genus Psila, which includes flies commonly known as carrot rust flies or rust flies due to their association with umbelliferous plants. The species is part of the diverse order Diptera and is found in the Holarctic region.
Psila nigricornis
Chrysanthemum Stool Miner
Psila nigricornis is a species of rust fly in the family Psilidae, first described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1826. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, with some sources listing it under the synonym Chamaepsila nigricornis. It is commonly known as the Chrysanthemum Stool Miner, indicating an association with chrysanthemum plants. The species belongs to a family whose larvae are typically internal feeders in plant stems and roots.
Psila rosae
carrot fly, carrot rust fly
Psila rosae, commonly known as the carrot fly or carrot rust fly, is a dipteran pest of cultivated umbelliferous crops. Adults orient to host plants using volatile chemical cues from carrot foliage, with strong electroantennogram responses to propenylbenzenes such as trans-asarone and trans-methylisoeugenol. Larvae feed on carrot roots, causing characteristic mining damage that reduces crop quality and yield. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning Europe, Asia, North America, and New Zealand. Overwintering occurs as both larvae and pupae, with temperature-dependent diapause in pupae contributing to population synchronization and the potential for multiple generations per year.
Psilidae
rust flies
Psilidae is a family of small to medium-sized flies commonly called rust flies, with at least 38 species in four genera. The family is well represented in temperate zones and is found mainly in the Holarctic region. The carrot fly (Chamaepsila rosae) is the most economically significant member, a major agricultural pest of carrots and related crops. Larvae are phytophagous, feeding in stems, tubers, or roots of nonwoody plants.
Psilocurus
Psilocurus is a genus of robber flies (family Asilidae) containing approximately 13-14 described species. These predatory dipterans are part of the diverse asilid fauna, though specific biological details for most species remain poorly documented. The genus was established by Hermann Loew in 1874.
Psilonyx
Psilonyx is a genus of robber flies in the family Asilidae, established by Aldrich in 1923. The genus contains approximately 14 described species. As members of Asilidae, species in this genus are predatory flies, though specific biological details for most Psilonyx species remain poorly documented.
Psilonyx annulatus
Ringed Pixie
Psilonyx annulatus is a small species of robber fly (family Asilidae) commonly known as the Ringed Pixie. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823 and is widely distributed across North America. Robber flies in this genus are diminutive predators that hunt small flying insects.
Psilopa leucostoma
shore fly
Psilopa leucostoma is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, a group of small flies commonly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species was described by Becker in 1907. It belongs to a genus of flies whose larvae typically develop in moist or saline environments. Adult shore flies are generally small with reduced wing venation.
Psilota
Psilota is a genus of small hoverflies in the family Syrphidae. Adults are characterized by black coloration, long wings, and the absence of a vena spuria—a wing feature present in most other hoverfly genera. The genus is most diverse in Australia, where 34 species have been documented, though it also occurs in Europe and other regions. Larvae are known to feed on tree sap.
Psorophora cyanescens
Psorophora cyanescens is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, first described by Coquillett in 1902. The species belongs to the genus Psorophora, which includes several predatory mosquito species whose larvae feed on other aquatic insects. Adults are found across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Middle America, North America, and South America. Specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in the available literature.
Psorophora longipalpus
Psorophora longipalpus is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, first described by Randolph and O'Neill in 1944. It belongs to the genus Psorophora, which includes some of the largest and most aggressive mosquitoes in North America. The genus is known for containing predatory species whose larvae feed on other aquatic insects.
Psorophora varipes
Psorophora varipes is a mosquito species in the family Culicidae, belonging to the genus Psorophora, which includes some of the largest and most aggressive mosquitoes in the world. The genus is notable for containing predatory species whose larvae feed on other insect larvae. Adults are robust and capable of delivering painful bites. The species occurs across the Americas, from North America through the Caribbean to South America.
Psychodidae
Moth flies, Drain flies, Sink flies, Filter flies, Sewer gnats, Sand flies
Psychodidae is a large family of true flies comprising over 2,600 described species worldwide, with highest diversity in humid tropical regions. Members exhibit distinctive short, hairy bodies and wings that create a moth-like appearance. The family encompasses two ecologically divergent groups: non-biting moth flies that inhabit moist, decaying organic matter and plumbing systems, and blood-feeding sand flies (subfamily Phlebotominae) that serve as disease vectors.
Ptecticus sackenii
Ptecticus sackenii is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Sarginae. The species is recorded from the United States and Canada, with specific distribution records from Vermont and other U.S. states. As a member of the soldier fly family, it belongs to a group of Diptera characterized by larvae that are often found in decomposing organic matter. Beyond basic taxonomic and distributional information, detailed biological data for this species remains limited in available sources.
Pterodontia
small-headed flies
Pterodontia is a genus of small-headed flies in the family Acroceridae, first described by Gray in 1832. The genus contains at least 20 described species. Members of this genus are characterized by distinctive morphological features including hairy eyes and reduced mouthparts. Like other acrocerids, they are likely parasitoids with specialized life histories, though detailed biological data remain limited for most species.
Pterodontia flavipes
small-headed fly
Pterodontia flavipes is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae. Adult males measure 5.5–10.5 mm, while females are 5–9 mm. The species exhibits complete metamorphosis with larval development occurring in soil. Adults have been observed in grassy areas and are known for rapid, hovering flight.
Pterodontia westwoodi
Pterodontia westwoodi is a species of small-headed fly in the family Acroceridae, described by Sabrosky in 1948. Members of this family are characterized by their distinctive humpbacked appearance and reduced head size. The genus Pterodontia is part of the subfamily Panopinae. Information regarding the specific biology and ecology of P. westwoodi remains limited, with only six observations recorded in iNaturalist.
Pteromicra pleuralis
Pteromicra pleuralis is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, originally described as Dichrochira pleuralis by Cresson in 1920. The genus Pteromicra is part of the tribe Sciomyzini within the subfamily Sciomyzinae. Members of this genus are generally small to medium-sized flies associated with wetland habitats. The species is poorly documented in the literature, with minimal published information on its biology and ecology.
Ptychoptera
phantom crane flies
Ptychoptera is a genus of phantom crane flies comprising at least 70 described species. The genus is characterized by larvae that are aquatic or semi-aquatic detritivores inhabiting freshwater environments. Adults are recognized by their distinctive wing folding behavior, giving rise to the common name "fold-winged crane flies." Species occur across the Holarctic and Oriental regions, with significant diversity in China.
Ptychoptera quadrifasciata
phantom crane fly
Ptychoptera quadrifasciata is a species of phantom crane fly in the family Ptychopteridae. The common name 'phantom crane fly' refers to the family's characteristic hovering behavior and delicate appearance. Adults are typically found in moist, wooded habitats near streams or wetlands. Larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments with decaying organic matter. The species is native to eastern North America.
Pyrgota
waved light fly, light fly
Pyrgota is a genus of flies in the family Pyrgotidae, containing approximately 10 described species. The genus is notable for its endoparasitoid lifestyle, with larvae developing inside scarab beetles (Melolonthinae). Adults are often observed in mating pairs and exhibit distinctive behaviors, including a 'French kissing' interaction during copulation. The type species, Pyrgota undata, is commonly known as the waved light fly.
Pyrgota undata
waved light fly
Pyrgota undata, commonly known as the waved light fly, is a species of fly in the family Pyrgotidae. It is a wasp-mimicking species that has been observed in mating pairs engaging in distinctive 'French kissing' behavior. The species has been documented in Missouri glade habitats and at bioblitz events in prairie ecosystems.
Pyrgotidae
Scarab Pursuing Flies, Pyrgotid Flies
Pyrgotidae is a family of endoparasitoid flies within the superfamily Tephritoidea. Unusual among Cyclorrhapha, they lack ocelli entirely—one of only two families with this trait. Most species display patterned wings with bands or spots. Females pursue scarab beetles in flight to deposit eggs beneath the elytra, where larvae develop internally and eventually kill the host. The family has a worldwide distribution with approximately 67 species in Australia alone and 59 species in 13 genera in the Neotropics.
Pyritis
Pyritis is a genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, established by Hunter in 1897. The genus contains at least one confirmed species, P. kincaidii, described by Coquillett in 1895. As a member of the tribe Eristalini, it belongs to a group of flower-visiting flies commonly known as drone flies. The genus remains poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Quateiella miniscula
Quateiella miniscula is a minute black scavenger fly (family Scatopsidae) described from North America by Cook in 1956. Members of this genus and family are typically associated with decaying organic matter and moist microhabitats. The specific epithet "miniscula" (from Latin minimus, meaning very small) reflects the extremely small body size characteristic of this species.
Quateiella quatei
Quateiella quatei is a minute black fly in the family Scatopsidae, originally described from the Philippines. The genus Quateiella was established to accommodate species with distinctive male genitalic structures. Like other scatopsids, adults are associated with decaying organic matter. The species epithet honors entomologist L.W. Quate.
Quatiella
Quatiella is a genus of moth flies (Psychodidae) established in 1970. The genus is placed within the diverse family of moth flies, characterized by their hairy bodies and broad, hairy wings. Members of this genus are small, delicate flies that inhabit moist environments. The genus has accumulated over 2,200 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation in citizen science records.
Rabdophaga rosacea
rose rosette gall midge, rose rosette midge
Rabdophaga rosacea is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive rosette galls on native roses (Rosa spp.). The species was first described by Ephraim Porter Felt in 1908 from specimens collected in Manitoba, Canada. The galls form on terminal buds, creating tightly packed leafy rosettes with a central cavity that houses the developing midge larvae. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning 'rod-eater', while the specific epithet refers to its rose hosts. A 2014 taxonomic proposal suggested transferring this species to the broadly defined genus Dasineura, though both genera remain within the tribe Dasineurini.
Rachicerus fulvicollis
Rachicerus fulvicollis is a species of fly in the family Xylophagidae, a small group of brachyceran flies commonly known as awl-flies. The species is found in the United States. Members of Xylophagidae are generally associated with wooded habitats and are predatory as larvae.
Rachicerus nitidus
Rachicerus nitidus is a species of fly in the family Xylophagidae, a group of medium-sized flies sometimes referred to as awl-flies. The species was described by Johnson in 1903. Members of the genus Rachicerus are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies and distinctive wing venation. The family Xylophagidae is a small, relictual group of brachyceran flies with limited species diversity in North America.
Rafaelia
Rafaelia is a genus of flesh flies in the family Sarcophagidae, established by Townsend in 1917. The genus contains nine described extant species distributed primarily in the Americas, with records from the United States, Mexico, and Central America. Species within this genus are characterized by their association with the Sarcophagidae family, commonly known as flesh flies due to the typical feeding habits of their larvae. The genus has been documented through museum collections and limited field observations.
Rafaelia rufiventris
Rafaelia rufiventris is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, first described by Charles Townsend in 1917. The genus Rafaelia is placed within the subfamily Sarcophaginae. As with other sarcophagid flies, adults likely exhibit the typical flesh fly morphology including a gray thorax with longitudinal stripes and a checkered abdominal pattern. The specific epithet "rufiventris" refers to a reddish or rufous-colored abdomen or ventral surface.
Rainieria
A genus of stilt-legged flies (Diptera: Micropezidae) containing at least 20 described species. Members are characterized by their elongated legs and slender bodies typical of the family. The genus has a Palearctic distribution with records from Europe and Asia, including recent discoveries in South Korea. Some species, such as Rainieria calceata, are considered rare and endangered with limited dispersal capabilities.
Ravinia
Ravinia is a genus of flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1863. Species within this genus exhibit diverse life history strategies: some are predators of other dipteran larvae in cattle dung, while others have forensic importance. Larvae of at least one species, Ravinia lherminieri, demonstrate strong host resistance to nematode parasitism through haemocytic encapsulation. The genus has been recorded in North America, Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), and Brazil.
Ravinia acerba
Ravinia acerba is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1849. As a member of the genus Ravinia, it belongs to a group of sarcophagid flies commonly known as flesh flies due to their association with decomposing animal matter. The species is documented in taxonomic databases but remains poorly studied in the scientific literature, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Reichertella producta
Reichertella producta is a minute dipteran in the family Scatopsidae (minute black scavenger flies), described by Cook in 1957. Members of Scatopsidae are typically small, dark-colored flies found in moist, decaying organic matter. The genus Reichertella is poorly documented in available literature, and no specific natural history details have been published for R. producta.
Reinwardtiini
Reinwardtiini is a tribe of flies within the family Muscidae, subfamily Muscinae. The tribe comprises 11 recognized genera distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Several genera, notably Philornis and Passeromyia, have attracted research attention due to their specialized ecological associations with birds. The type genus Reinwardtia was established by Brauer & von Bergenstamm in 1890.
Renocera cressoni
Renocera cressoni is a species of fly in the order Diptera, described by Mathis and Knutson in 2018. The genus Renocera is part of the family Sciomyzidae (marsh flies or snail-killing flies), though the family assignment is not explicitly confirmed in the provided sources. The species epithet 'cressoni' honors the entomologist Cresson.
Renocera johnsoni
Renocera johnsoni is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, described by Cresson in 1920. It belongs to the genus Renocera, a group of dipterans commonly known as snail-killing flies due to the predatory or parasitic habits of their larvae on molluscs. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though some sources list it as a synonym. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic placement.