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
Sobarocephala atricornis
Sobarocephala atricornis is a species of fly in the family Clusiidae, described by Sabrosky and Steyskal in 1974. It belongs to the subfamily Sobarocephalinae, a group of flies commonly known as druid flies or lekking flies. The species name 'atricornis' refers to black antennae.
Sobarocephala cruciger
Sobarocephala cruciger is a species of fly in the family Clusiidae, first described by Sabrosky and Steyskal in 1974. It belongs to the subfamily Sobarocephalinae. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only one documented observation on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Sobarocephala interrupta
Sobarocephala interrupta is a species of fly in the family Clusiidae, described by Sabrosky and Steyskal in 1974. It belongs to the subfamily Sobarocephalinae. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases but appears to be poorly known, with no documented observations in iNaturalist and minimal published information about its biology or distribution.
Sobarocephala latifrons
Sobarocephala latifrons is a species of fly in the family Clusiidae, a group commonly known as druid flies or clusiid flies. The species was first described by Loew in 1860. Clusiidae are small to medium-sized flies that are often associated with decaying wood and fungal growth in forest habitats. Members of this family are known for their distinctive wing venation and complex mating behaviors, including lekking in some species.
Sobarocephala quadrimaculata
Sobarocephala quadrimaculata is a species of fly in the family Clusiidae, described by Soós in 1963. The specific epithet "quadrimaculata" (four-spotted) likely refers to a distinctive four-spotted wing or body pattern. Clusiid flies are generally small to medium-sized flies associated with forest habitats, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Sobarocephala setipes
Sobarocephala setipes is a species of fly in the family Clusiidae, first described in 1924 by Axel Leonard Melander and Naomi George Argo. It belongs to the subfamily Sobarocephalinae within this family of small to medium-sized acalyptrate flies. The species is known from very few records, with only one documented observation in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Solva
wood soldier flies
Solva is a genus of soldier flies in the family Xylomyidae, commonly known as wood soldier flies. These Diptera are characterized by their association with decaying wood habitats. The genus is distributed across northern Europe and North America, with documented records from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the northeastern United States including Vermont. Solva species are part of the understudied but ecologically significant group of xylophagous insects that contribute to wood decomposition processes.
Somula
Somula is a genus of syrphid flies (flower flies) in the family Syrphidae, established by Macquart in 1847. The genus contains at least two described species: Somula decora and Somula mississippiensis. Members of this genus are notable for their wasp-mimicking appearance, particularly resembling yellowjackets or scoliid wasps in coloration and pattern. These flies are part of the diverse mimicry complex found within Syrphidae.
Sparnopolius confusus
Aster Bee Fly
Sparnopolius confusus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) measuring 6–9 mm in length. It is known to be a parasitoid of June beetles (Phyllophaga). The species is widely distributed across most of the United States and parts of Mexico. It is commonly referred to as the Aster Bee Fly due to its association with aster flowers.
Spaziphora cincta
Spaziphora cincta is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae, first described by Loew in 1863 under the basionym Cordilura cincta. The species belongs to a genus whose members are associated with dung and decomposing organic matter. Like other scathophagid flies, adults are predatory while larvae develop in dung.
Speccafrons mallochi
Speccafrons mallochi is a species of grass fly in the family Chloropidae, first described by Sabrosky in 1938. The genus Speccafrons belongs to the tribe Siphonellini within the subfamily Oscinellinae. Like other members of Chloropidae, this species is a small true fly with reduced wing venation. The species epithet honors the dipterist John Russell Malloch.
Spelobia
lesser dung flies
Spelobia is a genus of small flies in the family Sphaeroceridae (lesser dung flies), established by Spuler in 1924. Species in this genus are terricolous, inhabiting the leaf-litter stratum of forest ecosystems. Some species, such as Spelobia polymorpha from Madeira, exhibit poor flying ability and have become island endemics. The genus is distributed across Europe including Scandinavia and has been introduced to other regions.
Spelobia maculipennis
lesser dung fly
Spelobia maculipennis is a species of lesser dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae. The species was originally described as Leptocera maculipennis by Spuler in 1925. As a member of the Sphaeroceridae, it belongs to a family of small flies commonly associated with decaying organic matter and dung. The genus Spelobia comprises numerous species of small dung flies distributed across various regions.
Sphaeroceridae
lesser dung flies, small dung flies, lesser corpse flies
Sphaeroceridae is a family of true flies (Diptera) in the section Schizophora, subsection Acalyptratae. The family contains over 1,300 species in approximately 125 genera, making it a diverse group of small to minute flies. Members are characterized by saprophagous habits, typically associated with decomposing organic matter including dung, carrion, and decaying plant material. They occur worldwide except in regions with permanent ice cover.
Sphaeromias
Sphaeromias is a genus of biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) established by Curtis in 1829. The genus contains at least four described species, including S. albomarginatus, S. bifidus, S. gilvus, and S. longipennis. Members of this genus are small, blood-feeding flies belonging to the tribe Sphaeromiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae.
Sphaeromias bifidus
Sphaeromias bifidus is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, described by Wirth & Grogan in 1979. It belongs to the tribe Sphaeromiini within the subfamily Ceratopogoninae. As a member of this family, it is a small, blood-feeding fly. The specific epithet 'bifidus' refers to a forked or divided structure, likely a morphological feature used in its original description.
Sphaerophoria philanthus
Black-footed Globetail
Sphaerophoria philanthus is a species of syrphid fly, commonly known as the Black-footed Globetail. It belongs to the family Syrphidae, a diverse group of flower-visiting flies often called hoverflies due to their ability to remain stationary in flight. The species is documented from Europe, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in available sources. Like other members of the genus Sphaerophoria, it likely exhibits sexual dimorphism in abdominal patterning, a characteristic feature of this group.
Sphecomyia brevicornis
Short-horned Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia brevicornis is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) notable for its striking mimicry of yellowjacket wasps. It belongs to a small genus of wasp-mimicking flies that exhibit exceptional morphological convergence with vespid wasps. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1877. Its specific epithet 'brevicornis' refers to the relatively short antennae compared to related species.
Sphecomyia columbiana
Columbian Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia columbiana is a species of syrphid fly in the family Syrphidae, described by Vockeroth in 1965. The genus Sphecomyia is known for remarkably convincing wasp mimicry, particularly of yellowjackets. The specific epithet 'columbiana' refers to its known distribution in Canada.
Sphecomyia cryptica
Sphecomyia cryptica is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) described in 2019 from the genus Sphecomyia, a group of large wasp-mimicking flies in the subtribe Criorhinina. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group, characterized by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae. The species exhibits distinctive abdominal patterning with pruinose sternites and yellow-banded tergites. As a member of this Holarctic genus, it likely functions as a pollinator in its adult stage. Biological data remain limited due to its recent description.
Sphecomyia dyari
Dyar's Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia dyari is a species of syrphid fly (family Syrphidae) known for its striking resemblance to yellowjacket wasps. It belongs to a genus notable for exceptionally convincing wasp mimicry, including elongated antennae and flight patterns that imitate queen yellowjackets searching for nest sites. The species was described by Shannon in 1925 and is found in the United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely serves as a Batesian mimic, gaining protection from predators by resembling stinging wasps.
Sphecomyia hoguei
Sphecomyia hoguei is a species of syrphid fly (flower fly) described in 2019, belonging to the S. pattonii species group within the genus Sphecomyia. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits wasp mimicry, a characteristic defensive adaptation in this lineage. The species was formally described in a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the world Sphecomyia fauna.
Sphecomyia metallica
Sphecomyia metallica is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. It is a wasp mimic, part of a diverse group of syrphid flies that have evolved to resemble stinging hymenopterans for protection from predators. The species is known from Canada and the United States. As with many hoverflies, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Sphecomyia oraria
Sphecomyia oraria is a species of hoverfly (Syrphidae) described in 2019. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group within the Holarctic genus Sphecomyia, which comprises large wasp-mimicking flies in subtribe Criorhinina. The species exhibits Batesian mimicry of vespid wasps, particularly yellowjackets. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to have larvae that develop in rotting wood or tree holes, though this has not been confirmed for S. oraria specifically.
Sphecomyia pattonii
Patton's Yellowjacket Fly
Sphecomyia pattonii is a large wasp-mimicking syrphid fly in the subtribe Criorhinina, originally described by Williston in 1882. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group, distinguished from congeners by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae. The species exhibits classic yellowjacket mimicry, including coloration, body form, and flight behavior similar to Vespula queens. As with other members of its subtribe, the larval stage likely develops in decaying wood or rot holes, though this remains unconfirmed for this species.
Sphecomyia pseudosphecomima
Sphecomyia pseudosphecomima is a species of hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) described by Moran in 2019. It belongs to the genus Sphecomyia, a Holarctic group of large wasp-mimicking syrphid flies. The species is placed in the S. pattonii species group, characterized by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae and broadened fore tarsi. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits Batesian mimicry of vespid wasps, though specific details of its biology remain undocumented.
Sphecomyia weismani
Sphecomyia weismani is a hoverfly species described in 2019, one of seven new species identified during a comprehensive revision of the genus Sphecomyia. It belongs to the S. pattonii species group, distinguished from other Sphecomyia by the absence of pruinose scutellar vittae. The species is a wasp mimic, exhibiting the characteristic large size and yellow-and-black coloration typical of this Holarctic genus. Like other members of subtribe Criorhinina, it likely develops in decaying wood or rot holes, though specific larval biology remains undocumented.
Sphecomyiella
Sphecomyiella is a genus of flies in the family Pyrgotidae, established by Hendel in 1933. The genus is currently considered a synonym of Pyrgota, though its taxonomic status remains uncertain across sources. Pyrgotidae are known as pyrgotid flies, a group of parasitoid flies that target scarab beetles. The genus has been recorded in iNaturalist with over 1,000 observations, suggesting some level of field recognition, though identifications may reflect historical rather than current taxonomy.
Sphecomyiella nelsoni
Sphecomyiella nelsoni is a species of pyrgotid fly described by Kondratieff & Fitzgerald in 1993. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Pyrgota nelsoni, reflecting taxonomic revisions within the family Pyrgotidae. Pyrgotid flies are a small family of Diptera known for their distinctive biology as parasitoids of scarab beetles.
Sphecomyiella valida
Sphecomyiella valida is a species of fly in the family Pyrgotidae, a group of parasitic flies commonly known as pyrgotid flies. The species was originally described by Harris in 1841 under the name Pyrgota valida and has since been reclassified into the genus Sphecomyiella. Pyrgotidae flies are known for their distinctive biology, with larvae typically developing as parasitoids of scarab beetles. The species has been documented through over 1,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-recorded among pyrgotid flies.
Sphenometopa nebulosa
Sphenometopa nebulosa is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, subfamily Miltogramminae. Originally described as Araba nebulosa by Coquillett in 1902, this species was later transferred to the genus Sphenometopa. The genus Sphenometopa is part of the kleptoparasitic miltogrammine flesh flies, which are known for their association with solitary bees and wasps. The species is rarely encountered, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist.
Sphiximorpha cylindrica
Sphiximorpha cylindrica is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Curran in 1921. It belongs to the tribe Cerioidini within the subfamily Eristalinae. The genus Sphiximorpha is known for species that exhibit Batesian mimicry, resembling stinging Hymenoptera such as wasps or bees. As with other members of this genus, S. cylindrica likely possesses a cylindrical body form consistent with its specific epithet.
Sphyracephala brevicornis
short-horned ankle-headed fly
Sphyracephala brevicornis is a species of stalk-eyed fly in the family Diopsidae, order Diptera. The common name "short-horned ankle-headed fly" refers to its relatively short eye stalks compared to other members of the genus. Stalk-eyed flies are characterized by their laterally projected compound eyes on elongated peduncles, a trait that is highly developed in this family. The species was originally described by Thomas Say in 1817 as Diopsis brevicornis.
Spilomyia interrupta
Interrupted Hornet Fly
Spilomyia interrupta, commonly known as the Interrupted Hornet Fly, is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. First described by Williston in 1882, this uncommon species is native to western North America, particularly along the California coast. Like other members of the genus Spilomyia, it exhibits remarkable mimicry of yellowjacket wasps, including similar coloration, body shape, and even wingbeat frequency. Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, while larvae develop in moist tree rot holes.
Spilomyia kahli
Yellow-tailed Hornet Fly
Spilomyia kahli is a species of hover fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Yellow-tailed Hornet Fly. It is one of approximately 13 North American species in the genus Spilomyia, a group renowned for their exceptional mimicry of yellowjacket wasps. The species was described by Snow in 1895. Like other members of its genus, it likely exhibits sophisticated visual and acoustic mimicry to avoid predation.
Spilomyia texana
Texas Hornet Fly
Spilomyia texana is a hover fly (family Syrphidae) first described from Texas in 1921 by Johnson. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Spilomyia alcimus (Walker, 1849), the Broad-banded Hornet Fly, by major taxonomic databases including GBIF and Catalogue of Life. Like other members of the genus Spilomyia, it is a wasp mimic with yellow and black coloration. The genus contains approximately 13 species in North America, all known for their convincing mimicry of yellowjackets in both appearance and behavior.
Spiriverpa bella
A stiletto fly species in the family Therevidae, occurring in the Holarctic region. Originally described as Thereva bella by Kröber in 1914, the species was later transferred to Spiriverpa. The subspecies Thereva bella nigrimana Kröber was synonymized with the nominate form in a 2005 taxonomic revision.
Stearibia
Stearibia is a genus of small flies in the family Piophilidae (Diptera). Species in this genus are forensically important, having been documented on human corpses during advanced stages of decomposition. The genus was established by Lioy in 1864 and includes Stearibia nigriceps, which has been confirmed from medicolegal investigations using DNA barcoding.
Stegana antigua
Stegana antigua is a species of small fly in the family Drosophilidae, subfamily Steganinae. It was described by Wheeler in 1960. The genus Stegana is part of the tribe Steganini within the subfamily Steganinae, a group of flies commonly known as vinegar flies or fruit flies, though distinct from the more widely known Drosophila melanogaster species group. Members of this subfamily are typically associated with decaying plant material and fungal substrates.
Stegana vittata
Stegana vittata is a species of fruit fly in the family Drosophilidae, placed in the subfamily Steganinae. The genus Stegana comprises small flies typically associated with decaying organic matter and fungal substrates. Beyond its taxonomic placement, specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Stegopterna mutata
mutated black fly
Stegopterna mutata is a species of black fly in the family Simuliidae, first described by Malloch in 1914 under the basionym Prosimulium mutatum. The species belongs to the tribe Prosimuliini, a group of primitive black flies. Like other simuliids, adults are small, blood-feeding dipterans with aquatic larval stages. The specific epithet "mutata" (Latin for "changed" or "mutated") gives rise to its common name "mutated black fly."
Steneretma
Steneretma is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae, established by Loew in 1873. The genus contains at least one described species, S. laticauda. Like other ulidiids, members of this genus are characterized by patterned or marked wings. The genus is poorly known, with limited observational records and minimal published biological information.
Stenochironomus colei
Stenochironomus colei is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, described by Malloch in 1919. The genus Stenochironomus comprises small to medium-sized chironomid midges. As with many members of this large family, specific ecological and biological details for this particular species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Stenochironomus poecilopterus
Stenochironomus poecilopterus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, originally described by Mitchell in 1908. As a member of the genus Stenochironomus, it belongs to a group of chironomid midges characterized by reduced wing venation and specific larval adaptations. The species is recognized as valid and accepted in current taxonomic databases.
Stenochironomus woodi
Stenochironomus woodi is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, described by Borkent in 1984. It belongs to the genus Stenochironomus, a group of chironomid midges characterized by reduced mouthparts and often associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species is known from limited records, with 11 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Stenomicra
Stenomicra is a genus of small flies in the family Periscelididae, first described by Coquillett in 1900. The genus contains more than 20 described species, with at least one species documented from phytotelmata of Araceae plants in the Neotropical Region. Larval stages have been described for at least one species, indicating development within plant-held water bodies.
Stenomyia
Stenomyia is a genus of picture-winged flies in the family Ulidiidae. The genus was established by Loew in 1868 and contains species characterized by distinctive wing patterns. Members of this genus are relatively poorly documented in scientific literature compared to other ulidiid genera.
Stenopa
Stenopa is a genus of fruit flies in the family Tephritidae, established by Loew in 1873. The genus contains three described species distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. It belongs to the subtribe Cecidocharina within the tribe Dithrycini. Very few observations of this genus exist in citizen science databases.
Stenopogon breviusculoides
Stenopogon breviusculoides is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Stenopogoninae. The species was described by Bromley in 1937. As a member of the Stenopogoninae, it belongs to a group of generally small to medium-sized robber flies. Robber flies in this subfamily are predatory insects that capture other arthropods in flight.
Stenopogon breviusculus
Stenopogon breviusculus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, subfamily Stenopogoninae. It was described by Loew in 1872. As a member of the Stenopogoninae, it belongs to a group of generally small to medium-sized robber flies. Very few specific observations or biological details have been published for this particular species.