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
Camptoprosopella dolorosa
Camptoprosopella dolorosa is a species of true fly in the family Lauxaniidae, originally described by Williston in 1903. The genus Camptoprosopella belongs to a moderately diverse family of small to medium-sized flies commonly known as lauxaniid flies. These flies are generally recognized by their characteristic wing venation and often distinctive coloration patterns. The species epithet 'dolorosa' (Latin for 'painful' or 'sorrowful') may refer to some aspect of the type specimen's appearance or collection circumstances, though the original description would be needed to confirm this.
Camptoprosopella verticalis
Camptoprosopella verticalis is a species of lauxaniid fly in the family Lauxaniidae, order Diptera. The species was described by Loew in 1861. Lauxaniid flies are generally small to medium-sized flies, often found in association with vegetation and decaying organic matter. This species belongs to a genus whose members are primarily Nearctic in distribution.
Canacea
beach flies
Canacea is a genus of beach flies in the family Canacidae, established by Malloch in 1924. The genus comprises four described species restricted to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. All known species inhabit coastal environments.
Canacidae
beach flies, surf flies, surge flies
Canacidae is a family of minute Diptera commonly known as beach flies, surf flies, or surge flies. The family comprises approximately 307 species in 27 genera as of 2010, though counts vary among sources. Following McAlpine's 2007 taxonomic revision, the family now includes Tethininae as a subfamily, uniting what were previously treated as separate families. Members are predominantly intertidal specialists found along sea coasts worldwide.
Canacinae
surf flies, beach flies
Canacinae is a subfamily of small flies in the family Canacidae, commonly known as surf flies or beach flies. Members are strongly associated with intertidal marine environments, particularly rocky shore habitats in the surf zone. The subfamily includes multiple tribes and genera distributed across tropical and subtropical coastal regions worldwide, with documented occurrences in the Indo-Pacific, Afrotropical, and other oceanic regions.
Canthyloscelidae
Canthyloscelidae is a small family of nematoceran flies closely related to Scatopsidae. The family contains approximately 15 extant species distributed across New Zealand, North America, South America, Japan, and Russia, plus one species known from Jurassic fossils. Most species are considered endangered due to their specialized habitat requirements.
Carcelia amplexa
Carcelia amplexa is a species of tachinid fly described by Coquillett in 1897. As a member of the Tachinidae family, it is a parasitoid fly, with females depositing eggs or larvae on or near host insects. The species is native to North America. Like other Carcelia species, it likely targets lepidopteran larvae as hosts, though specific host records for C. amplexa remain limited in published literature.
Cardiocladius fulvus
Cardiocladius fulvus is a species of non-biting midge in the family Chironomidae, subfamily Orthocladiinae. The genus Cardiocladius comprises small, delicate midges whose larvae are typically associated with aquatic habitats. This species was described by Johannsen in 1908. Like other chironomids, adults are short-lived and do not feed; larvae are the primary feeding and growth stage.
Caricea erythrocera
Caricea erythrocera is a small muscid fly described by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. It belongs to the subfamily Coenosiinae, a group of flies commonly associated with moist habitats and decaying organic matter. Records indicate presence in Europe and North America, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Carnidae
bird flies, filth flies
Carnidae is a family of small flies (Diptera) comprising six genera and approximately 93 species worldwide. Most species are saprophagous, with larvae developing in bird nest litter, dung, carrion, and decaying organic matter. Members of the genus Carnus are exceptional within the family, being haematophagous ectoparasites of nestling birds. Adults are typically 1–2 mm, black, and characterized by distinctive arrangements of orbital setae on the frons.
Carnoidea
Carnoidea is a superfamily of acalyptrate flies (Diptera: Schizophora) comprising approximately ten families of small, often inconspicuous flies. Members are typically only a few millimeters in length and occupy diverse ecological niches including seashores, decaying organic matter, and specialized habitats such as bee nests and bat caves. The superfamily's monophyly remains tentative; while some morphological synapomorphies of the male genitalia have been proposed, molecular analyses suggest potential polyphyly with constituent families showing closer relationships to other superfamilies.
Caryomyia conoidea
Caryomyia conoidea is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2008. The genus Caryomyia comprises gall midges that induce galls on hickory trees (Carya spp.). As a member of this genus, C. conoidea is presumed to be associated with hickory hosts, though specific details about its biology remain limited in published literature. The species is documented in the iNaturalist database with 140 observations, indicating it is encountered with some frequency by naturalists.
Caryomyia lenta
Hickory Popover Gall Midge
Caryomyia lenta is a gall midge species described by Gagné in 2008, known by the common name Hickory Popover Gall Midge. It belongs to the family Cecidomyiidae, a group of small flies whose larvae induce abnormal plant growths called galls. The species has been documented through iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is recognized by field observers, though detailed biological studies remain limited. As a member of the genus Caryomyia, it is associated with hickory trees (Carya species).
Caryomyia persicoides
Hickory Peach-haired Gall Midge
Caryomyia persicoides, commonly known as the hickory peach-haired gall midge, is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species induces galls on hickory trees (Carya species). It was first described by Osten Sacken in 1862. The common name refers to the distinctive peach-colored hairs found on the gall structure.
Caryomyia purpurea
Hickory Purple Gumdrop Gall Midge
Caryomyia purpurea is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Raymond Gagné in 2008. The species is known by the common name "Hickory Purple Gumdrop Gall Midge," indicating its association with hickory plants and the distinctive gall structures it induces. As a member of the genus Caryomyia, this species belongs to a group of gall midges specialized on Carya (hickory) species.
Caryomyia recurvata
Caryomyia recurvata is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2008. The genus Caryomyia comprises gall-forming midges that induce galls on hickory trees (Carya spp.). As with other members of this genus, C. recurvata is associated with inducing distinct galls on host plants. The species is part of a taxonomic group specialized on Juglandaceae hosts.
Caryomyia stellata
Hickory Starry-base Gall Midge
Caryomyia stellata is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2008. It induces distinctive galls on hickory trees (Carya spp.), specifically forming star-shaped structures at the base of leaf petioles or twigs. The species is part of a genus of gall midges specialized on hickory hosts. Like other cecidomyiids, it has a complete metamorphosis life cycle with larvae developing inside plant tissue.
Caryomyia tuberculata
Caryomyia tuberculata is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2008. As a member of the genus Caryomyia, it belongs to a group of cecidomyiids associated with hickory and pecan trees (Carya species). The specific epithet "tuberculata" suggests tuberculate or wart-like features, though detailed morphological descriptions remain limited in available literature. Like other gall midges, this species likely induces gall formation on host plant tissues as part of its life cycle.
Caryomyia viscidolium
Hickory Sticky Ginger Jar Gall Midge
Caryomyia viscidolium is a gall midge species described by Gagné in 2008, known for inducing distinctive galls on hickory trees (Carya spp.). The common name "Hickory Sticky Ginger Jar Gall Midge" refers to the characteristic gall morphology—small, urn or ginger jar-shaped structures with a sticky surface. As a member of the Cecidomyiidae family, this species exemplifies the highly specialized plant-insect relationships typical of gall midges. The species has been documented through 341 iNaturalist observations, indicating moderate but growing awareness among naturalists.
Catharosia
Catharosia is a genus of tachinid flies established by Rondani in 1868. The genus comprises approximately twelve described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Species within this genus are classified in the tribe Catharosiini within the subfamily Phasiinae.
Catharosia nebulosa
Catharosia nebulosa is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It was originally described as Sciasma nebulosa by Coquillett in 1897. The species belongs to the subfamily Phasiinae and tribe Catharosiini. As a tachinid fly, it is likely a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host relationships remain undocumented in the available literature.
Catocha barberi
Catocha barberi is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, first described by E.P. Felt in 1913. The species belongs to the subfamily Lestremiinae and tribe Catochini. Very little published information exists regarding its biology, ecology, or distribution. The genus Catocha comprises small, delicate flies whose larvae are typically associated with fungal substrates or decaying organic matter.
Cecidomyiinae
gall midges, gall gnats
Cecidomyiinae is the largest subfamily in Cecidomyiidae, comprising over 600 genera and more than 5,000 described species. The subfamily exhibits remarkable ecological diversity: approximately 75% of species are herbivorous, many inducing galls on plants, while others are fungivores, predators, or parasitoids. Gall-inducing species attack a wide diversity of host plants worldwide and represent the most ecologically diverse gall-inducing group of organisms. Members can be distinguished from other Cecidomyiidae by characters of the male genitalia, antennal segment number, and larval abdominal bristles.
Celticecis aciculata
Hackberry Aciculate Gall Midge
Celticecis aciculata is a gall midge species described by Gagné in 2013. It belongs to the family Cecidomyiidae, a group of small flies known for inducing plant galls. The common name "Hackberry Aciculate Gall Midge" indicates an association with hackberry (Celtis species) and suggests the formation of needle-like or acicular galls. The genus Celticecis comprises species that specifically target hackberry trees.
Celticecis acuminata
Hackberry Narrow-tipped Gall Midge
Celticecis acuminata is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2013. It belongs to the genus Celticecis, which comprises gall midges associated with hackberry trees (Celtis spp.). The species is known to induce distinct galls on its host plants. As a member of the gall midge subfamily Cecidomyiinae, it exhibits the typical life cycle of cecidomyiids, with larvae developing within plant tissue.
Celticecis cornuata
Hackberry Horn Gall Midge
Celticecis cornuata is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces distinctive horn-shaped galls on hackberry trees (Celtis species). The species is named for the horn-like projections formed on host leaves. It is one of several Celticecis species specialized on Celtis hosts in North America. Adults are small, delicate flies typical of gall midges. The species has been documented across much of the eastern and central United States.
Celticecis ovata
Hackberry Tenpin Gall Midge
Celticecis ovata is a gall midge species in the family Cecidomyiidae, described by Gagné in 2013. It induces distinctive galls on hackberry trees (Celtis spp.), specifically forming tenpin-shaped structures on leaves. The species is part of a genus specialized on Celtis hosts, with multiple Celticecis species known to produce morphologically distinct galls on the same host genus.
Celticecis pubescens
Hackberry Pubescent Gall Midge
Celticecis pubescens, commonly known as the hackberry pubescent gall midge, is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. The species was first described by Patton in 1897. As a gall midge, it induces abnormal plant growths (galls) on its host plant. The genus Celticecis is associated with hackberry trees (Celtis species).
Cembrotia coloradensis
Cembrotia coloradensis is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae, order Diptera. It is one of approximately 6,000 described species of gall midges worldwide. The species was described by Ephraim Porter Felt in 1912. Like other members of its family, it is likely associated with plant gall formation, though specific host plants and biology remain poorly documented.
Cephaliini
picture-winged flies
Cephaliini is a tribe of picture-winged flies within the family Ulidiidae. The tribe includes eight recognized genera: Acrostictella, Cephalia, Delphinia, Myiomyrmica, Myrmecothea, Proteseia, Pterotaenia, and Tritoxa. Members of this tribe are distinguished by their patterned wings, a characteristic feature of the Ulidiidae family. The tribe has been documented in approximately 21,000 observations on iNaturalist, indicating widespread occurrence and detectability.
Cephalochrysa
soldier flies
Cephalochrysa is a genus of soldier flies (family Stratiomyidae) containing over 20 described species distributed across multiple continents. The genus was established by Kertész in 1912 and belongs to the subfamily Sarginae. Species within this genus exhibit considerable geographic range, with records from Africa, Australia, North America, and other regions.
Cephalochrysa canadensis
Cephalochrysa canadensis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, subfamily Sarginae. First described by Curran in 1927, this species occurs in Canada and the United States. Like other soldier flies, it belongs to a diverse group of Diptera characterized by distinctive morphological features. The genus Cephalochrysa is part of the broader Stratiomyidae radiation, which includes species with varied ecological roles.
Cephalochrysa nigricornis
Cephalochrysa nigricornis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, originally described as Chrysonotus nigricornis by Loew in 1866. The species belongs to the subfamily Sarginae and is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the soldier flies, it shares the family's characteristic robust body form and reduced wing venation. The specific epithet 'nigricornis' refers to dark or black antennae.
Cephalochrysa similis
Cephalochrysa similis is a species of soldier fly in the family Stratiomyidae, described by James in 1936. It belongs to the subfamily Sarginae and is one of several species in the genus Cephalochrysa, a group characterized by distinctive head morphology. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in published literature. Soldier flies in this family are generally associated with moist or aquatic habitats, with larvae typically developing in decaying organic matter.
Cephenemyia pratti
nose bot fly
Cephenemyia pratti is a species of nose bot fly in the family Oestridae, described by Hunter in 1916. Like other members of the genus Cephenemyia, it is an obligate parasite of cervids (deer family). The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with only six observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Ceracia
Ceracia is a genus of bristle flies in the family Tachinidae, established by Rondani in 1865. The genus comprises approximately 13 described species distributed across multiple continents. Members of this genus are parasitoid flies, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species. The genus is classified within the tribe Acemyini of the subfamily Tachininae.
Ceracia dentata
Ceracia dentata is a species of tachinid fly in the tribe Acemyini. The species was described by Coquillett in 1895, originally placed in the genus Acemyia before transfer to Ceracia. It is known from North America with records spanning Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Chile. As a member of Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Ceratempis
Ceratempis is a genus of dance flies (Diptera: Brachystomatidae) established by Melander in 1928. The genus contains a single described species, Ceratempis longicornis. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Trichopezinae, a group characterized by distinctive wing venation and predatory habits. The genus remains poorly known, with limited published information on its biology and ecology.
Ceratempis longicornis
Ceratempis longicornis is a species of dance fly in the family Brachystomatidae, described by Melander in 1928. It belongs to the subfamily Trichopezinae, a group of small predatory flies commonly found in moist woodland habitats. As a member of the Diptera order, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.
Ceratobarys
Ceratobarys is a monotypic genus of frit flies in the family Chloropidae, established by Coquillett in 1898. The genus contains a single described species, Ceratobarys eulophus. Chloropidae are commonly known as grass flies or frit flies, though specific ecological details for this genus remain poorly documented.
Ceratopogon
no-see-um, biting midge, punkie
Ceratopogon is a genus of biting midges (family Ceratopogonidae) first described by Meigen in 1803. The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution, with species recorded across multiple continents. Members of this genus are minute flies, typically 1–3 mm in body length, and are part of the diverse Ceratopogonidae family that includes over 600 species in North America alone.
Ceratopogonidae
biting midges, no-see-ums, sand flies, punkies, midgies
Ceratopogonidae is a family of minute flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as biting midges, no-see-ums, or punkies. Adults range from 1–6 mm in length, with most species between 1–3 mm. The family contains over 5,000 described species distributed worldwide except Antarctica and the Arctic. While many species feed on the blood of vertebrates including humans and livestock, the majority feed on the hemolymph of other insects. Several species serve as important pollinators of tropical crops, notably cacao.
Ceraturgus cornutus
Ceraturgus cornutus is a species of robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae) native to North America. It was designated as the type species for the resurrected subgenus Ceraturgopsis in a 2008 taxonomic review. The species is part of the diverse asilid fauna of the eastern United States and Canada.
Ceraturgus cruciatus
Ceraturgus cruciatus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species was historically confused with C. fasciatus, which was resurrected from synonymy in a 2008 taxonomic revision. As a member of the genus Ceraturgus, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by distinctive morphological features. The species has been recorded from the northeastern United States, including Vermont.
Ceraturgus fasciatus
Banded Tiger Fly
Ceraturgus fasciatus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) found in the eastern United States and Canada. The species was resurrected from synonymy with Ceraturgus cruciatus in a 2008 taxonomic review. As a member of the Asilidae, it is a predatory fly, though specific prey records and detailed natural history for this species remain poorly documented.
Ceraturgus johnsoni
Ceraturgus johnsoni is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Martin in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae and tribe Ceraturgini. As with other members of the genus Ceraturgus, this species is likely a predatory insect, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in available sources.
Ceraturgus similis
Ceraturgus similis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Johnson in 1912. It belongs to the tribe Ceraturgini within the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. The genus Ceraturgus is characterized by distinctive morphological features typical of this robber fly lineage. Available records indicate occurrence in the northeastern United States, specifically Vermont.
Ceriana ancoralis
Black-sided Wasp Fly
Ceriana ancoralis is a species of syrphid fly commonly known as the Black-sided Wasp Fly. It is a wasp mimic, displaying coloration and body form that resembles vespid wasps such as yellowjackets and paper wasps. This mimicry provides protection from predators that avoid wasps. The species has been documented in limited observations, with 21 records on iNaturalist.
Cerodontha
Cerodontha is a large genus of leaf-miner flies in the family Agromyzidae, containing at least 280 described species. Larvae feed internally on plant tissues, creating distinctive mines in leaves, stems, or leaf sheaths of grasses, sedges, and other monocots. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with significant diversity in the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Australasian regions. Several species are associated with economically important crops and pasture grasses.
Cerodontha angulata
Cerodontha angulata is a species of leaf miner fly in the family Agromyzidae. The genus Cerodontha is part of a diverse group of small flies whose larvae develop within the tissues of grasses, sedges, and rushes, creating distinctive feeding tunnels between leaf layers. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range including North America, South America, and Europe.