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
Rivellia coquilletti
Rivellia coquilletti is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, first described by Hendel in 1914. Signal flies in this genus are associated with leguminous plants, with larvae feeding on nitrogen-fixing root nodules. The species is closely related to R. quadrifasciata and R. colei, with which it shares sympatric distributions in parts of North America. Adult signal flies are recognized by their characteristic wing-waving behavior used for intraspecific communication.
Rivellia flavimana
Rivellia flavimana is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, first described by Loew in 1873. As a member of the genus Rivellia, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized flies known for their distinctive wing-waving behavior and patterned wings used in intraspecific communication. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Rivellia floridana
Florida signal fly
Rivellia floridana is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, described by Johnson in 1900. As a member of the genus Rivellia, it shares the family's characteristic wing-waving behavior used for intraspecific signaling. The species is known from Florida, though detailed biological information is sparse. Signal flies in this genus typically have larvae that develop in association with plant root nodules, particularly in leguminous plants.
Rivellia inaequata
Rivellia inaequata is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, described by Namba in 1956. The genus Rivellia comprises small flies associated with leguminous plants, with larvae typically feeding on nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Like other platystomatids, adults are characterized by distinctive wing patterns and constant wing movement during walking. The species is known from limited observations and appears to be far less documented than congeners such as R. quadrifasciata.
Rivellia micans
Rivellia micans is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, first described by Loew in 1873. Like other members of its genus, it belongs to a group known for their distinctive wing-waving behavior. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist. Most biological information about Rivellia species remains unknown or inferred from better-studied congeners.
Rivellia munda
Rivellia munda is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, described by Namba in 1956. As a member of this family, it likely exhibits the characteristic wing-waving behavior used for intraspecific communication. The genus Rivellia includes species associated with leguminous plants, where larvae feed on nitrogen-fixing root nodules. However, specific details regarding R. munda's biology, host associations, and distribution remain poorly documented in available literature.
Rivellia occulta
signal fly
Rivellia occulta is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, first described by Wulp in 1898. Like other members of this family, it is characterized by distinctive wing markings and wing-waving behavior used for intraspecific communication. The species belongs to a genus containing several agriculturally associated species, though specific information about this particular species remains limited.
Rivellia quadrifasciata
soybean nodule fly
Rivellia quadrifasciata, commonly known as the soybean nodule fly, is a signal fly in the family Platystomatidae. The species is native to eastern North America, where it originally fed on tick trefoil (Desmodium spp.) before adapting to cultivated legumes. Larvae feed on nitrogen-fixing root nodules of host plants, including soybean, cowpea, and common bean. Despite this feeding habit, the species causes only minor economic damage due to the compensatory growth abilities of soybean. Adults are characterized by their distinctive wing-waving behavior, which gives the family its common name.
Rivellia tersa
Rivellia tersa is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, described by Namba in 1956. As a member of the genus Rivellia, it likely shares the family's characteristic wing-waving behavior used for intraspecific signaling. The genus Rivellia includes species associated with leguminous plants, with larvae feeding on nitrogen-fixing root nodules. However, specific details about R. tersa's biology, host associations, and distribution remain poorly documented in available literature.
Rivellia vaga
Rivellia vaga is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, described by Namba in 1956. Like other members of the genus Rivellia, it belongs to a group of flies known for their distinctive wing movements used in intraspecific communication. The species is part of a taxonomically challenging genus where some closely related species require examination of male genitalia for definitive identification.
Robertsonomyia
Robertsonomyia is a genus of flies in the family Conopidae, described by Malloch in 1919. The genus is currently treated as a synonym of Zodion by Catalogue of Life, though GBIF lists it as doubtful. Conopid flies, commonly known as thick-headed flies, are parasitoids of bees and wasps. The taxonomic status of Robertsonomyia remains unresolved in current databases.
Rondaniella dimidiata
Rondaniella dimidiata is a species of fungus gnat in the family Mycetophilidae. It belongs to the subfamily Leiinae and tribe Rondaniellini. The species has been documented in Norway and Sweden. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with fungal habitats, though specific ecological details remain limited in published sources.
Saltella
Saltella is a genus of small flies in the family Sepsidae. The genus includes five described species, with Saltella sphondylii being the most studied due to its unusual mating behavior. Research on this species has revealed significant costs of copulation to male longevity, making it a model organism for studying sexual conflict and the evolution of mating systems.
Sapromyza
Sapromyza is a genus of small flies in the family Lauxaniidae, containing at least 330 described species. The genus has a broad distribution across the Holarctic region and beyond, with documented records from Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Taxonomic revisions have focused on regional species inventories and identification keys, particularly in understudied areas such as Israel and Iran.
Sarcophaga aldrichi
Friendly Fly, Large Flesh Fly
Sarcophaga aldrichi is a parasitoid flesh fly commonly known as the friendly fly or large flesh fly. It is a specialized parasitoid of the forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria), depositing live larvae into host cocoons where they consume the pupating caterpillars. The species exhibits distinctive delayed population dynamics, with outbreaks occurring one year after peak host caterpillar abundance. Adults are frequently encountered in large numbers during outbreak years, sometimes becoming a nuisance to humans despite being harmless.
Sarcophaga cadyi
Sarcophaga cadyi is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, described by Giroux and Wheeler in 2010. It belongs to the subgenus Bulbostyla within the genus Sarcophaga. Like other members of Sarcophagidae, this species exhibits the characteristic dull gray coloration with thoracic stripes typical of the family. Species-level identification in this genus generally requires examination of male genitalia due to limited external diagnostic characters.
Sarcophaga melanura
flesh fly
Sarcophaga melanura is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, described by Meigen in 1826. The species belongs to the subgenus Helicophagella within the genus Sarcophaga. Like other members of Sarcophagidae, it exhibits the family's characteristic gray thorax with three longitudinal black stripes and checkered abdominal patterning. Species-level identification in this genus requires examination of male genitalia due to the group's uniform external morphology.
Sarcophaga nearctica
Sarcophaga nearctica is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, a group of necrophagous flies frequently encountered in forensic entomology contexts. Like other members of its genus, it is attracted to decomposing organic matter including carrion. The species was described by Parker in 1916. Flesh flies in this family are distinguished by their reproductive strategy of larviparity (depositing live larvae rather than eggs) and their characteristic thoracic pattern of black and gray stripes.
Sarcophaga pleskei
flesh fly
Sarcophaga pleskei is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, first described by Rohdendorf in 1937. The genus Sarcophaga is characterized by larviparous reproduction (depositing live larvae rather than eggs) and association with decomposing organic matter. Species in this genus are morphologically similar and often require examination of male genitalia for definitive identification. Distribution records indicate presence in Norway and Sweden.
Sarcophaga sinuata
Sarcophaga sinuata is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, first described by Meigen in 1826. It is found in the Palearctic region. As a member of the genus Sarcophaga, it belongs to a group of flies commonly known as flesh flies, though specific life history details for this species remain poorly documented. Species-level identification within Sarcophaga typically requires examination of male genitalia.
Sarcophagidae
flesh flies, satellite flies
Sarcophagidae is a large family of calyptrate flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as flesh flies due to the necrophagous habits of many species. The family comprises approximately 2,842 species worldwide, with peak diversity in the Neotropics. Unlike most flies, sarcophagids are larviparous, depositing live first-instar larvae rather than eggs onto carrion, dung, decaying organic matter, or open wounds. The family includes three subfamilies with diverse life histories: Sarcophaginae (necrophagous, saprophagous, and parasitoid species), Miltogramminae (kleptoparasitic), and Paramacronychiinae (predatory or parasitoid). Species such as Wohlfahrtia magnifica and Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis cause traumatic myiasis in livestock and humans. Due to their early colonization of carcasses, sarcophagids are important forensic indicators for postmortem interval estimation.
Sarcophaginae
Typical Flesh Flies
Sarcophaginae is a diverse subfamily of flesh flies comprising at least 60 genera and over 1,800 species worldwide, with the highest diversity in the Neotropical region. These calyptrate flies are characterized by their association with decomposing organic matter, including carrion, feces, and decaying material. Many species exhibit synanthropic behavior, thriving in human-modified environments. Their life histories encompass necrophagy, coprophagy, and scavenging, with some species documented in association with eusocial wasp nests. Species identification relies heavily on male genitalia due to uniform external chaetotaxy.
Sarginae
soldier flies
Sarginae is a subfamily of soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) established by Walker in 1834. The subfamily is cosmopolitan in distribution, occurring from the Nearctic region through Canada and Alaska to the Neotropics, with substantial diversity in genera such as Acrochaeta, Himantigera, Merosargus, and Sargus. Immature stages are known for relatively few species—29 species as of 2022, with only eight from the Neotropical region.
Sargus elegans
Sargus elegans is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, first described by Loew in 1866. It belongs to the subfamily Sarginae, a group of metallic-colored flies often found in moist or wetland habitats. The genus Sargus is distributed primarily in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, though specific ecological details for S. elegans remain limited in published literature.
Sargus viridis
Green Soldier Fly
Sargus viridis is a soldier fly (family Stratiomyidae) native to North America. It belongs to the subfamily Sarginae, a group characterized by metallic coloration and predatory or saprophagous larvae. Adults are active during warmer months and are often found in wooded or semi-open habitats. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1823.
Saropogon coquilletti
Saropogon coquilletti is a species of assassin fly (family Asilidae) first described by Back in 1909. It belongs to the genus Saropogon, which was reviewed for Nearctic species north of Mexico by Charlotte Herbert Alberts as part of her dissertation research on assassin fly systematics. Like other members of the Asilidae, this species is a predatory fly with venomous capabilities. The species is part of a group that has received recent taxonomic attention due to the discovery and description of related new species in the southwestern United States.
Saropogon hypomelas
Saropogon hypomelas is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Loew in 1866. As a member of the genus Saropogon, it belongs to a group of predatory flies that are venomous and feed on other insects. The genus Saropogon was the subject of a 2023 taxonomic review by Charlotte Herbert Alberts, which examined all Nearctic species north of Mexico. Like other assassin flies, S. hypomelas likely plays a role as an aerial predator in its ecosystem.
Saropogon semiustus
Saropogon semiustus is a species of assassin fly (family Asilidae) described by Coquillett in 1904. It belongs to the subfamily Dasypogoninae and tribe Saropogonini. As with other members of the genus Saropogon, it is a predatory fly, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented. The genus Saropogon has been the subject of recent taxonomic revision work focusing on Nearctic species.
Saropogon senex
Saropogon senex is a species of assassin fly (family Asilidae) described by Osten Sacken in 1887. As a member of the genus Saropogon, it belongs to the tribe Saropogonini within the subfamily Dasypogoninae. The genus Saropogon is part of a taxonomic group that has been subject to recent revisionary work for the Nearctic fauna north of Mexico. Assassin flies in this genus, like other Asilidae, function as aerial predators of other arthropods.
Scaptomyza montana
Scaptomyza montana is a small fly species in the family Drosophilidae, first described by Wheeler in 1949. It belongs to the genus Scaptomyza, a group of flies that includes both herbivorous leaf-mining species and non-herbivorous relatives. The species epithet 'montana' suggests association with mountainous habitats. Like other members of its genus, it likely shares the general body plan of small drosophilid flies with characteristic wing venation and compound eyes. The genus Scaptomyza has gained scientific attention due to its evolutionary transition to herbivory, which occurred approximately 10–15 million years ago, making it a valuable model for studying dietary adaptation in insects.
Scaptomyza terminalis
Scaptomyza terminalis is a small fly species in the family Drosophilidae, described by Loew in 1863. The genus Scaptomyza includes both microbial-feeding and herbivorous species, with some members having evolved leaf-mining habits. This species is part of a genus that has undergone evolutionary transitions to herbivory, making it relevant for studies of dietary adaptation in insects. Documentation for this specific species is limited, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Scatella arizonensis
Scatella arizonensis is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Cresson in 1935. The genus Scatella comprises small flies commonly associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. As a member of the Ephydridae, this species is part of a diverse family of true flies adapted to various wet environments. Very few specific details are documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description.
Scatella stagnalis
shore fly
Scatella stagnalis is a small shore fly in the family Ephydridae. It has been documented in both natural coastal habitats and artificial greenhouse environments, where it develops in moist, algae-rich substrates. The species is known as a pest in greenhouse agriculture, particularly in rockwool cultivation systems. Its life cycle has been studied under controlled temperature conditions, with development from egg to adult taking 10–16 days depending on temperature.
Scathophaga
Dung Flies, Yellow Dung Flies
Scathophaga is a genus of small to medium-sized predatory flies in the family Scathophagidae, commonly known as dung flies. The genus includes approximately 99 described species, with Scathophaga stercoraria (the yellow dung fly) being the most extensively studied as a model organism in behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology. Adults are typically found in association with animal dung, where they engage in complex mating systems involving intense male-male competition and female mate choice. Larvae develop within dung or decaying organic matter, where they feed predaciously on other insect larvae.
Scathophaga crinita
Scathophaga crinita is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae. It is one of approximately 30 species in the genus Scathophaga, a group commonly known as dung flies. Members of this genus are typically associated with animal feces, where adults feed and females lay eggs. The larvae develop in dung, playing a role in decomposition.
Scathophaga intermedia
Scathophaga intermedia is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae, first described by Walker in 1849. The genus Scathophaga contains predatory flies commonly associated with dung and other organic matter. As a member of this genus, S. intermedia likely shares the family's characteristic biology of larval development in dung and predatory adult behavior, though species-specific details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Scathophaga spurca
Scathophaga spurca is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae, order Diptera. The genus Scathophaga includes species commonly known as dung flies, with the well-known Scathophaga stercoraria (golden dung fly) being a familiar example. S. spurca was described by Meigen in 1826 and is currently accepted as a valid species. Distribution records indicate presence in Norway and Sweden.
Scatopse notata
Black Compost Fly
Scatopse notata is a minute dipteran in the family Scatopsidae, commonly known as the Black Compost Fly. The species occurs across the Palearctic region and has been recorded from isolated subantarctic islands including South Georgia and Amsterdam Island. Larvae develop in decomposing organic matter and serve as hosts for the microsporidian parasite Plistophora scatopsi, which infects the mid-gut epithelium across all life stages.
Scellus virago
Scellus virago is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Aldrich in 1907. Members of this genus are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. As with other Dolichopodidae, adults are predatory. The species is known from limited observational records.
Scenopinidae
window flies
Scenopinidae, commonly known as window flies, comprise approximately 400 described species of small brachyceran flies distributed worldwide. Adults are typically found on windows in buildings, giving rise to their common name. The family includes three subfamilies: Caenotinae, Proratinae, and Scenopininae. Larvae are predatory, inhabiting diverse environments from sandy arid soils to decaying organic matter, animal nests, and synanthropic settings. Two species, Scenopinus fenestralis and S. glabrifrons, have achieved cosmopolitan distributions through association with human trade.
Schizomyia racemicola
Goldenrod Bunch Gall Midge
Schizomyia racemicola is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces characteristic bunch galls on goldenrods (Solidago species). First described by Carl Robert Osten-Sacken in 1862, this species is found in eastern North America. The galls it produces cause dense clusters of stunted leaves at the stem tips, creating a broom-like or "bunch" appearance. The species is relatively well-documented due to the conspicuous nature of its galls on a common host plant.
Schizomyia umbellicola
Elderberry Gall Midge
Schizomyia umbellicola is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces galls on elderberry (Sambucus species). The species was first described by Osten Sacken in 1878. As a member of the genus Schizomyia, it shares the characteristic biology of forming distinctive plant galls during larval development. The common name 'Elderberry Gall Midge' reflects its specific association with elderberry hosts.
Schlingeria
Schlingeria is a genus of stiletto flies (family Therevidae) established by Irwin in 1977. It belongs to the subfamily Phycusinae, a group characterized by specialized morphological features including reduced wing venation and particular arrangements of thoracic bristles. The genus is poorly known, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist and minimal published biological data available. Schlingeria species are presumably predatory as larvae, as is characteristic of the family Therevidae, though direct observations of life history remain undocumented.
Schoenomyza dorsalis
Schoenomyza dorsalis is a species of true fly in the family Muscidae, subfamily Coenosiinae. Described by Loew in 1872, it belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized flies commonly associated with wetland and semi-aquatic habitats. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with minimal observational records available.
Schroederella
Schroederella is a genus of flies in the family Heleomyzidae, established by Enderlein in 1920. The genus comprises approximately 14 described species. Heleomyzidae are small to medium-sized flies commonly associated with decaying organic matter. Specific biological details for Schroederella remain poorly documented in available literature.
Schroederella iners
Schroederella iners is a small fly species in the family Heleomyzidae, first described by Johann Wilhelm Meigen in 1830. The species is documented from northern Europe, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other members of Heleomyzidae, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Sciaroidea
Fungus Gnats and Gall Midges
Sciaroidea is a superfamily of nematoceran flies in the infraorder Bibionomorpha, comprising approximately 16 families and over 15,000 described species. The group includes fungus gnats, gall midges, and related families, with larvae predominantly associated with fungi, dead wood, and soil. Fennoscandia represents a major biodiversity hotspot for this group, harboring roughly 1,000 species—about 83% of Europe's total. Despite substantial DNA barcoding efforts yielding over 56,000 barcode index numbers (BINs), only 5% currently have scientific names assigned, indicating vast undescribed diversity.
Sciomyza aristalis
Sciomyza aristalis is a species of marsh fly in the family Sciomyzidae, originally described as Dryomyza aristalis by Coquillett in 1901. The genus Sciomyza comprises small to medium-sized flies associated with wetland and marsh habitats. Members of Sciomyzidae are known for their larvae developing in freshwater or moist terrestrial habitats, often associated with molluscan hosts. This species has been documented from a limited number of observations.
Sciomyzidae
Marsh Flies, Snail-killing Flies
Sciomyzidae is a family of acalyptrate flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as marsh flies or snail-killing flies. The family contains 543 extant species in 63 genera with worldwide distribution, though poorly represented in the Australasian and Oceanian realms. Adults are small to medium-sized flies (2–14 mm) typically found in wet habitats. The larvae are predominantly predators or parasites of freshwater and terrestrial mollusks, particularly snails and slugs, making this family notable for its specialized feeding biology.
Sciomyzoidea
Kelp, Marsh, Thick-headed Flies and Allies
Sciomyzoidea is a superfamily of acalyptrate flies (Diptera: Acalyptratae) comprising at least 11 families, including the well-known Sciomyzidae (snail-killing or marsh flies), Sepsidae (scavenger flies), and Coelopidae (seaweed flies). The superfamily exhibits diverse ecological specializations, with some families associated with marine or coastal habitats and others with freshwater or terrestrial environments. The family Sciomyzidae is particularly notable for its larval predation and parasitism on gastropods.