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
Bertamyia
Bertamyia is a genus of flat-footed flies in the family Platypezidae, established by Kessel in 1970. The genus contains two described species: Bertamyia notata and Bertamyia umacibise. As members of Platypezidae, these flies are characterized by their distinctive broad, flattened tarsi that give the family its common name. The genus is placed in the subfamily Callomyiinae.
Besseria anthophila
Besseria anthophila is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It was described by Loew in 1871. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning North America and Eurasia. Like other tachinid flies, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host relationships have not been documented in the available sources.
Besseria atra
Besseria atra is a species of tachinid fly in the subfamily Phasiinae. It was originally described as Apinops atra by Coquillett in 1897 before being transferred to the genus Besseria. The species is known from North America and belongs to a group of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop inside other insects.
Bibio albipennis
White-winged March Fly
Bibio albipennis, the White-winged March Fly, is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae native to North America. Adults are most commonly observed in spring, with males forming conspicuous swarms to attract mates. The species is widespread across the continent and is one of approximately 37 currently recognized Bibio species north of Mexico. Like other bibionids, it plays a role in nutrient cycling through larval feeding on decaying organic matter.
Bibio holtii
Bibio holtii is a species of March fly described by McAtee in 1922. It belongs to the family Bibionidae, a group characterized by males with large holoptic eyes and females with small heads relative to body size. The species exhibits a Holarctic distribution pattern, occurring across the northern hemisphere. Like other Bibio species, adults are typically active in spring and form conspicuous swarms.
Bibio longipes
Bibio longipes is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae. It is found in both the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Like other members of the genus Bibio, adults are typically active in spring and are known for forming large mating swarms. The species was described by Loew in 1864.
Bibio necotus
Bibio necotus is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae, first described by Hardy in 1937. Like other members of the genus Bibio, adults are medium-sized flies that emerge in spring and often form conspicuous mating swarms. Males possess large, holoptic compound eyes that meet at the top of the head, while females have disproportionately small heads. The species is part of a diverse North American fauna of approximately 37 currently recognized Bibio species, many of which were historically difficult to distinguish based on external characters alone.
Bibio superfluus
Garden Maggot
Bibio superfluus, commonly known as the Garden Maggot, is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae. Adults are active in spring, with males forming conspicuous swarms that attract females for mating. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in head structure. Larvae develop in soil where they feed on decaying organic matter and plant roots.
Bibio xanthopus
yellow-footed March fly
Bibio xanthopus, commonly known as the yellow-footed March fly, is a species of March fly in the family Bibionidae first described by Wiedemann in 1828. It is one of the most common species of Bibio in North America. The species exhibits considerable size variation and displays distinct sexual dimorphism in head morphology and wing coloration.
Bibiocephala grandis
Bibiocephala grandis is a species of net-winged midge in the family Blephariceridae, a group of specialized aquatic flies. The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1874. Members of Blephariceridae are typically associated with fast-flowing streams and rivers, where larvae attach to rocks in turbulent water.
Bibiodes
March flies
Bibiodes is a genus of march flies (family Bibionidae) established by Coquillett in 1904. The genus contains eight described species, including two extinct species known from Baltic amber (B. balticus and B. nanus) and one from Florissant shale (B. intermedia). Most extant species are found in the Northern Hemisphere, with records from North America, Europe, and China.
Bibiodes halteralis
March fly
Bibiodes halteralis is a species of march fly in the family Bibionidae, described by Coquillett in 1904. March flies in this family are generally robust, medium-sized flies with distinctive morphological features. The species is part of a genus characterized by particular wing and body structures, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available literature.
Bibionidae
March flies, lovebugs, honeymoon flies
Bibionidae is a family of medium-sized flies (Diptera) comprising approximately 650–700 species worldwide. Adults are characterized by thickset bodies, moniliform antennae, and distinctive stout spurs on the front tibiae used by females for digging. The family includes notable genera such as Bibio, Dilophus, and Plecia—the latter containing the famous 'lovebugs' known for prolonged copulatory pairing. Adults of many species are nectar feeders and important pollinators, while larvae are soil-dwelling decomposers and occasional plant pests.
Bicellariini
Bicellariini is a tribe of small predatory flies within the family Hybotidae, subfamily Hybotinae. The tribe contains three recognized genera: Bicellaria, Hoplocyrtoma, and Leptocyrtoma. These flies are part of the diverse hybotid radiation, a group characterized by agile flight and predatory habits. Members of this tribe are found across multiple continents, with observations spanning North America, Europe, and Asia.
Bigonichetini
Bigonichetini is a tribe of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) established by Townsend in 1919. Its taxonomic status remains unsettled; some authorities consider it a synonym of Loewiini. The tribe includes four genera: Cucuba, Lissoglossa, Triarthria, and Trichactia. Members are parasitoid flies, though specific host associations for the tribe as a whole are poorly documented.
Billaea
Billaea is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 80 described species. Most larvae are parasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly cerambycids and lucanids, with some species attacking lepidopteran hosts in the family Pyralidae. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for agricultural and forestry pests, including palm weevils and sugarcane borers.
Tachinidaeparasitoidbiological-controlCerambycidaeDryophthoridaeCrambidaeviviparousplanidiaforest-pestagricultural-pestoil-palmsugarcanepalm-weevilwood-borersoutheast-AsiaSouth-AmericaEuropeBulgariaBrazilTurkeyMexicoPeruintegrated-pest-managementnatural-enemyhost-searchingkairomonessuperparasitismmass-rearingGalleria-mellonellalaboratory-hostfrassgallerytunnelpupal-parasitoidlarval-parasitoidectoparasitoidendoparasitoidColeopteraLepidopteraDipteraBrachyceraDexiinaeDexiiniRobineau-Desvoidy-183080-speciesglobal-distributionforestryagricultureornamental-palmsdate-palmcoconutRhynchophorusDiatraeaPrionusXylotrechusclimate-matchingestablishment-potentialMediterraneanMiddle-EastCaliforniainvasive-speciesred-palm-weevilAmerican-palm-weevilred-ring-diseasevector-controlnatural-mortalitypest-managementsustainable-agriculturehost-specificitytrophic-associationnew-host-recordparasitism-ratefield-parasitismlaboratory-rearingadult-longevityfecunditysex-ratiopupal-viabilitypupal-durationplanidia-lengthfood-resourcespollenhoneysucroseflowering-plantsspontaneous-floracompanion-plantshabitat-managementconservation-biological-controlaugmentative-biological-controlclassical-biological-controlquarantinehost-rangecircumstantial-evidencetaxonomic-confusionB.-rhynchophoraeB.-menezesiB.-adelphaB.-claripalpisB.-rutilansB.-cerambycivoraB.-steiniB.-fortisB.-irrorataB.-pectinataB.-setosaB.-trianguliferaB.-lataB.-intermediaB.-biserialisB.-giganteaB.-rubensB.-maritimaB.-marmorataB.-aurifronsB.-verticalisB.-flavaB.-chinensisB.-brevicaudaB.-kurahashiiB.-micronychiaB.-papeiB.-setigeraB.-yintiaolingB.-rufescensB.-triquetrusB.-rubidaB.-rufiventrisB.-brasiliensisB.-friburgensisB.-giacomeliB.-kosteraeB.-plaumanniB.-shannoniB.-africanaB.-argentaureaB.-atkinsoniB.-capensisB.-communisB.-decisaB.-edwardsiB.-erectaB.-ficorumB.-grandisB.-impigraB.-interruptaB.-kolomyetziB.-luteolaB.-malayanaB.-minorB.-monohammiB.-montanaB.-morosaB.-nipigonensisB.-orbitalisB.-ovataB.-quadrinotaB.-rhingiaeformisB.-robustaB.-satisfactaB.-sibleyiB.-sjostedtiB.-solivagaB.-trivittataB.-trochanterataB.-vanemdeniB.-velutinaB.-versicolorB.-villeneuveiB.-vitripennisB.-ziminiB.-lateralisB.-lativentrisBitheca boleta
lesser dung fly
Bitheca boleta is a species of lesser dung fly in the family Sphaeroceridae, described by Marshall in 1987. It belongs to the subfamily Limosininae, a group characterized by small size and association with decomposing organic matter. The species is part of a genus with limited documented records.
Bittacomorpha occidentalis
Western Phantom Crane Fly
Bittacomorpha occidentalis is a species of phantom crane fly in the family Ptychopteridae. This dipteran belongs to a group known for their distinctive hovering flight behavior and elongated legs. The species was described by Aldrich in 1895. Like other members of the genus Bittacomorpha, adults are characterized by their striking black-and-white banded legs and unique flight pattern where they appear to drift with legs extended. The larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic environments, typical for the family.
Bittacomorphella jonesi
pygmy phantom crane fly
Bittacomorphella jonesi is a species of phantom crane fly in the family Ptychopteridae. It is commonly known as the pygmy phantom crane fly. The species was described by Johnson in 1905. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive flight behavior and morphology among Diptera.
Blaesoxipha hunteri
Blaesoxipha hunteri is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, originally described as Sarcophaga hunteri by Hough in 1898. Members of the genus Blaesoxipha are known as satellite flies due to their kleptoparasitic behavior, laying eggs on the prey of other insects rather than capturing prey directly. This species is part of a genus whose species are frequently associated with burrowing wasps and bees.
Blepharepium
Blepharepium is a genus of robber flies (Asilidae) established by Rondani in 1848, comprising approximately 15 described species. As members of the diverse predatory family Asilidae, these flies are aerial predators of other insects. The genus has been documented through 418 iNaturalist observations, though specific species-level details remain limited in publicly available sources.
Blepharepium sonorensis
Sonora Hanging Thief
Blepharepium sonorensis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Sonora Hanging Thief. It was described by Papavero & Bernardi in 1973. The species belongs to the genus Blepharepium, which is characterized by distinctive predatory behaviors typical of robber flies. As with other Asilidae, this species is likely an aerial predator of other insects. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 3 documented observations in iNaturalist as of the available data.
Blepharicera
net-winged midge
The genus Blepharicera Macquart, 1843 comprises net-winged midges in the family Blephariceridae, with approximately 60 species worldwide and 12 known species in China. It is the most species-rich blepharicerid genus in China, concentrated in Southwest China. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing venation with net-like patterns of folds and transversely divided compound eyes. Recent taxonomic work has expanded knowledge through DNA barcoding and descriptions of new species from China and North America.
Blera
Wood Flies
Blera is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) established by Billberg in 1820. The genus is primarily North American in distribution, with approximately three European species. One species, Blera fallax (pine hoverfly), has been the subject of conservation translocation efforts in Britain since 2018. A fossil species, Blera miocenica, has been described from Early Miocene deposits in the Czech Republic, representing the first known fossil record of the genus.
Blerina
Blerina is a subtribe of hoverflies (family Syrphidae) established by Mutin in 1999. It comprises six genera: Blera, Caliprobola, Cynorhinella, Lejota, Philippimyia, and Somula. These hoverflies belong to the diverse family of flower flies, many of which are important pollinators. The subtribe represents a distinct lineage within the Syrphidae, though detailed biological and ecological information remains limited in the available literature.
Boettcheria
Boettcheria is a genus of flesh flies in the family Sarcophagidae, containing at least 20 described species. The genus was established by Parker in 1914. One species, Boettcheria cimbicis, has been documented as a parasitoid of the Elm Sawfly (Cimbex americana), reared from pupal cocoons.
Boettcheria latisterna
Boettcheria latisterna is a species of flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, described by Parker in 1914. The genus Boettcheria comprises sarcophagid flies associated with parasitic life histories. This species has been documented as a parasitoid of the Elm Sawfly (Cimbex americana), specifically reared from pupal cocoons of that host.
Bohartia martini
Brown Longhorn Robber
Bohartia martini is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described in 1975 by Adisoemarto and Wood. It belongs to a genus named in honor of the entomologist Richard M. Bohart. As a member of the Asilidae family, it is presumed to share the predatory habits characteristic of robber flies, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species is recognized as valid and accepted in major taxonomic databases.
Bohartia nitor
White-haired Longhorn Robber
Bohartia tenuis
Slender Longhorn Robber
Bohartia tenuis is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Adisoemarto and Wood in 1975. The species belongs to a genus of slender, longhorn-like robber flies. The common name "Slender Longhorn Robber" reflects its elongated body form. As with other Asilidae, it is a predatory fly, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Bolbomyiidae
Bolbomyiid Snipe Flies
Bolbomyiidae is a small family of snipe flies established by Stuckenberg in 2001, previously treated as part of Rhagionidae. The family contains a single genus, Bolbomyia, with species measuring 2–3.5 mm. These tiny flies are restricted to the north temperate zone of North America and the Russian Far East.
Bombyliinae
bee flies
Bombyliinae is a large subfamily of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) comprising more than 70 genera and at least 170 described species. Adults are important pollinators, while larvae are parasitoids. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution across all continents except Antarctica, with notable diversity in Australia (17 genera, 87 species) and the Neotropics.
Bombyliini
bee flies
Bombyliini is a tribe of bee flies within the family Bombyliidae, characterized by adults that are typically active in spring and exhibit bee-mimicking morphology. Members of this tribe are distinguished from the related tribe Systoechini primarily by wing venation, specifically the position of the r-m vein. The genus Bombylius is the best-known representative, with species such as B. mexicanus occurring in North America. Adults are nectar feeders, while larvae are parasitoids of various insects including tiger beetle larvae (Cicindelidae).
Bombyliomyia soror
Bombyliomyia soror is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It is found in North America, with recorded distribution spanning Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. As a tachinid fly, it likely functions as a parasitoid, though specific host relationships remain undocumented. The species was first described by Williston in 1886.
Bombylius anthophilus
Bombylius anthophilus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The species has been documented in association with the nests and pupal casings of Habropoda depressa bees, indicating a parasitic relationship with this host. Like other members of the genus Bombylius, it likely exhibits the characteristic hovering flight behavior and elongated proboscis typical of bee flies. The species was described by Evenhuis in 1983.
Bombylius ater
Bombylius ater is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, originally described by Scopoli in 1763. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Bombylella atra, though it was historically placed in the genus Bombylius. Bee flies in this group are characterized by their hairy bodies, long proboscises for nectar feeding, and parasitic larval stages. The genus Bombylius includes species that are active primarily in spring and are known for their hovering flight behavior.
Bombylius atriceps
Bombylius atriceps is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Loew in 1863. The genus Bombylius is characterized by adults that are typically active in spring, with members of this tribe exhibiting hovering behavior and elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. Larval stages of Bombylius species are known to be parasitoids of solitary bees, with females depositing eggs near or into host burrows.
Bombylius breviabdominalis
Bombylius breviabdominalis is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Evenhuis in 1977. As a member of the genus Bombylius, it belongs to a group of flies known for their bee-like appearance and parasitic larval life history. The species epithet "breviabdominalis" refers to its relatively short abdomen. Information specific to this species is limited, though it shares general characteristics with other Bombylius species including a furry body, long proboscis for nectar feeding, and parasitic larvae that develop in the nests of solitary bees.
Bombylius coquilletti
Bombylius coquilletti is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae. The genus Bombylius contains numerous species of bee flies that are parasitic in their larval stages, typically attacking solitary bees. Adult bee flies are important pollinators that visit flowers for nectar. This species was described by Williston in 1899.
Bombylius curtirhynchus
Bombylius curtirhynchus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Evenhuis in 1978. The genus Bombylius comprises approximately 350 species distributed across the Holarctic region, with many species exhibiting the characteristic fuzzy appearance and hovering flight behavior typical of bee flies. Species in this genus are generally spring-active and possess elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding.
Bombylius fraudulentus
Bombylius fraudulentus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Johnson in 1907. The species belongs to the genus Bombylius, a group of bee flies known for their bee-like appearance and parasitic larval life histories. As with most members of this genus, adults are likely active in spring and are associated with flowers where they feed on nectar. The larval biology of this specific species remains undocumented, though related Bombylius species are known to parasitize solitary bees.
Bombylius fulvibasoides
Bombylius fulvibasoides is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Painter in 1962. As a member of the genus Bombylius, it shares the characteristic bee-mimicking appearance and hovering flight behavior typical of this diverse group of parasitoid flies. The species epithet "fulvibasoides" suggests tawny or yellowish-brown coloration on the basal portions of the body or appendages. Like other Bombylius species, adults are likely flower visitors that feed on nectar using elongated mouthparts, while larvae are presumed to be parasitoids of other insects.
Bombylius heximaculatus
Bombylius heximaculatus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Johnson & Johnson in 1975. Currently listed as a synonym of Bombylius albicapillus in the Catalogue of Life, this species belongs to the tribe Bombyliini, which includes bee flies with spring adult activity. Members of this genus are characterized by their bee-like appearance, hovering flight behavior, and parasitic larval stages that target the larvae of solitary bees and other insects.
Bombylius incanus
bee fly
Bombylius incanus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Johnson in 1907. The genus Bombylius is one of the most recognizable bee fly genera, with adults typically active in spring and characterized by their fuzzy, bee-like appearance and hovering flight behavior. Like other members of the genus, B. incanus likely exhibits the "bombing" egg-laying behavior where females flick eggs into host burrows. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, particularly Vermont.
Bombylius iphiculus
Bombylius iphiculus is a species of bee fly (family Bombyliidae) described by Hall and Evenhuis in 1981. Like other members of the genus Bombylius, it belongs to a group of flies that are bee mimics with notably long proboscises for nectar feeding. The species is part of the tribe Bombyliini, which contains species typically active as adults in spring. Very little specific information is available for this particular species, and most knowledge must be inferred from the broader genus and family characteristics.
Bombylius pulchellus
Beautiful Bee Fly
Bombylius pulchellus is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, distributed across northern North America from Canada to the northern United States. Adults are active in spring and are known for their parasitoid relationship with the sweat bee Halictus ligatus, whose larvae and pupae they consume. Unlike many bee flies, B. pulchellus pupates in soil away from the host nest rather than within it.
Bombylius pulcher
Bombylius pulcher is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, described by Painter in 1926. Like other members of the genus Bombylius, it likely exhibits the characteristic bee-like appearance and hovering flight behavior typical of this diverse family of parasitoid flies. The species is distinguished from congeners by specific morphological features, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Bombylius pygmaeus
Pygmy Bee Fly
Bombylius pygmaeus is a small species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, commonly known as the Pygmy Bee Fly. The species was described by Fabricius in 1781 and is currently recognized as a valid species. It is reported from North America (Canada and the United States) and also from China, though details of its biology remain poorly documented. As a member of the genus Bombylius, it likely shares the general life history pattern of parasitism on solitary bee larvae, but specific host associations have not been established.
Bombylius varius
Bombylius varius is a species of bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, first described by Fabricius in 1805. Like other members of the genus Bombylius, it is likely a parasitoid of solitary bee larvae, though specific host records for this species are not well documented. The species is recognized as valid in current taxonomic databases, though detailed biological studies appear limited in the available literature.
Borboropsis
Borboropsis is a genus of small flies in the family Heleomyzidae, established by Czerny in 1902. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across Europe and East Asia. Species in this genus are part of a family commonly associated with decaying organic matter and shaded, moist habitats.