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
Sylvicola notialis
Sylvicola notialis is a species of wood gnat in the family Anisopodidae, described by Stone in 1965. Wood gnats in this genus are associated with decaying wood and moist forest habitats. The species is part of a group of Diptera commonly found in woodland environments where larvae develop in rotting wood or other decomposing plant material.
Sylvicola punctatus
Sylvicola punctatus is a species of wood gnat in the family Anisopodidae, a group of small to medium-sized flies characterized by their distinctive wing venation. The species is distributed across the Palearctic region, with documented records from northern Europe including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Like other members of the genus Sylvicola, adults are typically found in wooded or forested habitats where their larvae develop in decaying organic matter.
Symmerus
Symmerus is a Holarctic genus of fungus gnats in the family Ditomyiidae (Diptera). The genus comprises approximately 16 described species distributed across the northern hemisphere, with records from Europe, North America, and Asia. A systematic revision recognized two subgenera: Symmerus s. str. and Psilosymmerus, the latter established with S. coqulus as type species. The genus has been subject to phylogenetic analysis using Hennig's phylogenetic systematics, with transantarctic relationships documented in the related genus Australosymmerus.
Symphoromyia cinerea
Symphoromyia cinerea is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Johnson in 1903. It belongs to the subfamily Spaniinae and is currently treated as an accepted species in taxonomic databases, though some sources list it as a synonym. As a member of Rhagionidae, it shares the general characteristics of snipe flies, which are predatory or hematophagous dipterans.
Symphoromyia sackeni
Symphoromyia sackeni is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, first described by Aldrich in 1915. The species belongs to the subfamily Spaniinae and is classified within the genus Symphoromyia. Like other snipe flies, adults are predatory and typically associated with moist habitats. The species name honors Osten Sacken, a prominent 19th-century dipterist.
Symplecta
Symplecta is a genus of crane flies in the family Limoniidae, established by Meigen in 1830. The genus contains multiple subgenera, with subgenus Symplecta sensu stricto comprising Arctic and partly Arctic distributed species. Species-level taxonomy within this group has undergone recent revision, with several species redescribed, new species described from Canada and Russia, and taxonomic synonyms resolved. The genus is characterized by distinctive male and female terminalia morphology used for species identification.
Symplecta cana
Symplecta cana is a crane fly species in the family Limoniidae, subgenus Symplecta sensu stricto. It has a broad distribution across northern North America, extending from Alaska and Arctic Canada southward throughout the contiguous United States, and reaching into Mexico and Guatemala. Taxonomic revision has clarified its distinction from the closely related S. hybrida, with which it occurs sympatrically and syntopically in some regions.
Synchysa tricincta
Synchysa tricincta is a species of dung fly in the family Scathophagidae, originally described as Coenosia tricincta by Loew in 1869. The species is accepted and has been recorded from Vermont and other parts of the United States. As a member of Scathophagidae, it is likely associated with dung or decaying organic matter habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Syneches rufus
Syneches rufus is a species of hybotid dance fly (family Hybotidae), a group of small predatory flies known for their distinctive dancing flight behavior. The species was described by Loew in 1861 and is known to occur in the United States. As a member of the Hybotidae, it likely shares the family's characteristic predatory habits, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Syneches simplex
Syneches simplex is a species of hybotid dance fly in the family Hybotidae, first described by Walker in 1852. It belongs to the order Diptera, which includes true flies. The species has been documented across Canada and the United States based on available distribution records.
Synthesiomyia
Synthesiomyia is a small genus of muscid flies in the family Muscidae. The genus contains at least one well-documented species, Synthesiomyia nudiseta, which has gained forensic importance as a carrion-associated fly in tropical, subtropical, and recently colonized Palearctic regions. Species in this genus exhibit facultative predatory behavior and are used in postmortem interval estimation.
Syrphini
hoverflies
Syrphini is a globally distributed tribe of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) comprising approximately 37 recognized genera and hundreds of species. Members exhibit classic hoverfly morphology with compact bodies, large compound eyes, and the characteristic hovering flight behavior. The tribe is taxonomically diverse, with particularly notable patterns in the Neotropical region where species are concentrated in two large, highly diverse genera, contrasting with other zoogeographic regions where moderate-sized genera predominate. The group has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, with eight new genera and multiple subgenera described in recent decades.
Syrphus attenuatus
Yellow-margined Flower Fly
Syrphus attenuatus is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Hine in 1922. As a member of the subfamily Syrphinae, its larvae are presumed aphid predators, though this specific life history has not been directly documented for this species. The species is known from Norway and Sweden according to distribution records, and is referred to by the common name "Yellow-margined Flower Fly." Like other Syrphus species, adults likely visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
Syrphus vitripennis
Black-thighed Flower Fly
Syrphus vitripennis is a common Holarctic hoverfly (Syrphidae) with distinctive yellow and black wasp-mimicking coloration. Adults are medium-sized (8–11 mm body length, wing length 7.25–10.25 mm) and frequent flowers from March to October, peaking in July–August. Larvae are aphid predators, making this species economically significant for biological control. The species is highly migratory, with documented seasonal movements between latitudes. It is one of five Syrphus species in Britain and can be difficult to distinguish from congeners, particularly S. rectus in males.
Systenus eucercus
Systenus eucercus is a species of long-legged fly (Dolichopodidae) described by Steyskal in 1970. It belongs to the subfamily Medeterinae, a group characterized by slender bodies and elongated legs. The genus Systenus is distributed across the Holarctic region, with species often associated with moist terrestrial habitats. As with most dolichopodids, adults are predatory and contribute to insect population control in their ecosystems.
Systoechus
Woolly Bee Flies
Systoechus is a genus of bee flies in the family Bombyliidae, containing more than 120 described species. These flies belong to the tribe Bombyliini and are characterized by their woolly appearance. Adults are primarily active in the fall, distinguishing them from the related genus Bombylius which tends to be active in spring. The genus is distinguished from Bombylius by the location of the r-m vein on the wing.
Systoechus oreas
Systoechus oreas is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. It is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada and the western United States. The larvae are predators of grasshopper eggs, a trait that distinguishes this species ecologically from many other bee flies. Adults are active in the fall, in contrast to the spring-active members of the related genus Bombylius.
Systropodini
Systropodini is a tribe of bee flies within the subfamily Toxophorinae of the family Bombyliidae. Members of this tribe are characterized by distinctive morphological features that separate them from other toxophorine groups. The tribe contains multiple genera distributed across various regions. Bee flies in this group are generally parasitoids, with larvae developing in the nests of other insects.
Systropus arizonicus
Arizona bee fly
Systropus arizonicus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Banks in 1909. The species is native to the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico, with confirmed records from Arizona and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Systropus, this species is parasitic in its larval stage. The genus belongs to the subfamily Toxophorinae, a group characterized by their distinctive wing venation and parasitic life history.
Systropus bicornis
Systropus bicornis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Painter & Painter in 1963. The species is known from Mexico. As a member of the genus Systropus, it belongs to a group of bee flies characterized by distinctive morphological features. Beyond its taxonomic placement and geographic occurrence, detailed biological information remains limited.
Tabaninae
horse flies
Tabaninae is a subfamily within the family Tabanidae, commonly known as horse flies. It comprises more than 3,000 described species distributed across multiple tribes including Diachlorini, Haematopotini, and Tabanini. The subfamily contains eight genera in Croatia alone, with Tabanus being the most diverse genus globally. Female horse flies are blood-feeders and significant pests of livestock, causing production losses through blood loss and nuisance biting. They also serve as mechanical vectors of animal and human pathogens including viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and helminths.
Tabanomorpha
Snipe Flies and Allies
Tabanomorpha is a brachyceran infraorder of Diptera comprising primarily two large families—Tabanidae (horse and deer flies) and Rhagionidae (snipe flies)—along with several smaller affiliated families including Athericidae, Vermileonidae, Austroleptidae, Oreoleptidae, Spaniidae, and Pelecorhynchidae. The group is notable as one of only two brachyceran lineages outside Hippoboscoidea containing blood-feeding (hematophagous) species, though they are not significant disease vectors. Phylogenetic relationships among constituent families remain unresolved.
Tabanus aegrotus
Tabanus aegrotus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Osten Sacken in 1877. It is distributed across northern North America, including Canada and the United States. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the general characteristics of large, robust biting flies with prominent compound eyes. The species is recognized as valid by GBIF and NCBI, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym.
Tabanus caenosus
Tabanus caenosus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Burger in 1974. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it belongs to a group of large, robust flies known for their blood-feeding females and strong flight capabilities. The species is recognized as valid by GBIF and iNaturalist, though records remain sparse with only three observations documented on iNaturalist.
Tabanus calens
Devoted Horse Fly
Tabanus calens is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distributed across Canada and the United States. Two subspecies are recognized: T. c. calens and T. c. giganteus. Males of this species exhibit distinctive hovering and swarming behavior.
Tabanus eadsi
Tabanus eadsi is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1962. Like other members of the genus Tabanus, it belongs to a group of large, robust flies known for their biting females and strong flight capabilities. The species is currently recognized as valid by GBIF, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. No iNaturalist observations have been recorded for this species, and published biological information appears to be minimal.
Tabanus equalis
horse fly
Tabanus equalis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Tabanus, which contains numerous biting fly species commonly known as horse flies or deer flies. The species was described by Hine in 1923. As with other horse flies, adults are likely to be robust, medium to large-sized flies with large eyes and piercing-sucking mouthparts adapted for blood-feeding.
Tabanus erythraeus
Tabanus erythraeus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Bigot in 1892. The species has a complex taxonomic history, with Catalogue of Life listing it as a synonym of Tabanus fuscus while GBIF and iNaturalist recognize it as a valid accepted species. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic large size, robust body, and biting mouthparts typical of horse flies. Very little specific information is available for this particular species in the provided sources.
Tabanus fairchildi
Fairchild's horse fly
Tabanus fairchildi, known as Fairchild's horse fly, is a species of biting fly in the family Tabanidae. The species was described by Stone in 1938. Like other horse flies, adults are likely to be robust, medium to large-sized flies with large compound eyes and biting mouthparts adapted for blood-feeding. The species is recorded from Canada and the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Tabanus fulvicallus
Brown-footed Horse Fly
Tabanus fulvicallus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1931. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic large size and blood-feeding habits typical of horse flies. The species is recognized by iNaturalist under the accepted name with the common name "Brown-footed Horse Fly," though detailed biological information remains limited. Only three observations are recorded in iNaturalist, indicating it is either rare, undercollected, or restricted in distribution. The Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym, while GBIF treats it as accepted, suggesting some taxonomic uncertainty or recent revalidation.
Tabanus fulvulus
Tabanus fulvulus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1828. It belongs to the subfamily Tabaninae, which contains the majority of horse fly species. The species is currently accepted as valid, though it has been treated as a synonym in some historical classifications. Information regarding its biology and ecology is sparse in the available literature.
Tabanus fumipennis
Tabanus fumipennis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, subfamily Tabaninae. The species is recorded from the United States. Like other horse flies, females likely require blood meals for egg development, while both sexes feed on nectar. Specific details regarding its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Tabanus fusconervosus
horse fly
Tabanus fusconervosus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, subfamily Tabaninae. It was described by Macquart in 1838. The species is recorded from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature. As with other Tabanus species, adults are likely diurnal and females probably require blood meals for egg development.
Tabanus imitans
Tabanus imitans is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1848. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic large size and robust build typical of horse flies, with females possessing scissor-like mouthparts adapted for blood-feeding. The species name 'imitans' suggests a resemblance to another taxon, though the specific basis for this naming remains undocumented in available sources.
Tabanus kesseli
Tabanus kesseli is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1950. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it belongs to a large group of biting flies known for their robust bodies and large eyes. The species is recognized as valid by GBIF and iNaturalist, though the Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. Very little specific information about this species has been published in accessible sources.
Tabanus laticornis
horse fly
Tabanus laticornis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. The species was described by Enderlein in 1931. It is distributed in the United States and Mexico. The species is listed as an accepted name in GBIF, though Catalogue of Life notes it as an ambiguous synonym of Tabanus rousselii. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the general characteristics of horse flies including large eyes and blood-feeding females, though specific details for this species are limited in available sources.
Tabanus marginalis
horse fly
Tabanus marginalis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Fabricius in 1805. Like other horse flies in the genus Tabanus, it belongs to a group of large, biting flies known for their blood-feeding females and non-biting males. The species occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Canada. Specific ecological details remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Tabanus moderator
Tabanus moderator is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Stone in 1938. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it belongs to one of the largest genera of horse flies in North America. The species is recognized as valid in major taxonomic databases including GBIF and NCBI, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. Very little specific information about this species has been documented in the available literature.
Tabanus molestus
horse fly
Tabanus molestus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. It is distributed in the United States. Like other horse flies, females possess blade-like mouthparts adapted for cutting skin to obtain blood meals, while males have reduced mouthparts and do not blood feed. The species is part of the diverse genus Tabanus, which includes some of the largest biting flies in North America.
Tabanus mularis
Tabanus mularis is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Stone in 1935. The species is currently recognized as valid, though it was previously listed as a synonym in some sources. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic blood-feeding behavior of female horse flies, with males typically feeding on nectar and other sugary substances. The species has been documented through a small number of observations, with records indicating presence in North America.
Tabanus pallidescens
horse fly
Tabanus pallidescens is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1936. It belongs to the large genus Tabanus, which contains many biting fly species distributed across North America. The species is poorly documented in the scientific literature, with minimal published information on its biology and ecology.
Tabanus pruinosus
Tabanus pruinosus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Bigot in 1892. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it belongs to a group of large, blood-feeding flies known for their painful bites to mammals, including humans. The specific epithet "pruinosus" refers to a frosted or pruinose appearance, suggesting a distinctive coloration or surface texture. Like other horse flies, females require blood meals for egg development, while males typically feed on nectar and other sugary substances.
Tabanus reinwardtii
Reinwardt's Horse Fly
Tabanus reinwardtii is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, originally described by Wiedemann in 1828. The species is recognized as valid in GBIF and NCBI databases, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. It is commonly known as Reinwardt's Horse Fly and has been documented in the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont. The species belongs to the large genus Tabanus, which contains numerous biting fly species distributed worldwide.
Tabanus sequax
Pursuing Horse Fly
Tabanus sequax, commonly known as the Pursuing Horse Fly, is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. The species was described by Williston in 1887 and is currently recognized as a synonym of Hybomitra sequax in modern taxonomic treatments. As with other horse flies, it belongs to a group of biting flies known for their persistent pursuit of mammalian hosts. The species has been documented from at least two observations, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Tabanus similis
striped horse fly
Tabanus similis, commonly known as the striped horse fly, is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae. It is distributed across Canada and the United States. Like other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar and other sugary substances. The species is recognized by its distinctive striped patterning.
Tabanus sparus milleri
A subspecies of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Whitney in 1914. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it shares the characteristic large size and biting mouthparts typical of horse flies. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological variation within the broader Tabanus sparus species complex.
Tabanus stygius
Stygian Horse Fly
Tabanus stygius is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species is known from the United States. As with other horse flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar and other plant fluids. The common name "Stygian" refers to the dark or infernal coloration typical of this species.
Tabanus sublongus
Tabanus sublongus is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Stone in 1938. The species is currently accepted in GBIF and NCBI taxonomies, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. No iNaturalist observations exist for this taxon. As a member of the genus Tabanus, it belongs to a group of large, blood-feeding flies whose females require blood meals for egg development, though species-specific biological details for T. sublongus remain undocumented in available sources.
Tabanus subniger
Tabanus subniger is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Coquillett in 1906. It was originally described as a subspecies of Tabanus atratus (the black horse fly) but is now recognized as a distinct species. The species belongs to a genus of large, robust flies known for their biting mouthparts and association with mammals.
Tabanus sulcifrons
Tabanus sulcifrons is a species of horse fly in the family Tabanidae, widely distributed throughout the eastern half of the United States and adjacent regions of southern Canada. Larvae develop in wet, muddy margins of ponds and streams in saturated soil. The species has two recognized subspecies: T. s. sulcifrons and T. s. variegatus.