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
Chrysopilus ornatus
Ornate Snipe Fly
Chrysopilus ornatus is a small, metallic snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, distinguished by its ornate gold-colored scales that cover the body. Adults are found primarily in moist woodlands and forest edges of the northeastern United States and adjacent southern Canada, with activity peaking in June. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism: males have eyes in contact at the top of the head and more slender abdomens, while females have separated eyes and more robust, pointed abdomens. Surprisingly little is known about its life history; larvae are suspected to occur in damp soil rich in decaying organic matter or in rotting wood, and may be predatory on other invertebrates.
Chrysopilus proximus
Chrysopilus proximus is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae. It is one of approximately 200 species in the genus Chrysopilus, which is characterized by metallic scaling on the exoskeleton. The specific epithet "proximus" (Latin for "nearest") was assigned by Francis Walker in 1848. Like other members of its genus, this species belongs to a group of predatory or scavenging flies whose adult feeding habits remain poorly documented.
Chrysopilus quadratus
Quadrate Snipe Fly
Chrysopilus quadratus is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely inhabits moist woodland environments. The species is part of a group of flies known for their often ornate, metallic-scaled appearance, though specific details for this species are limited.
Chrysopilus testaceipes
Chrysopilus testaceipes is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, described by Bigot in 1887. It belongs to the genus Chrysopilus, which is characterized by metallic coloration derived from delicate scales on the exoskeleton. The specific epithet 'testaceipes' refers to the yellowish-brown (testaceous) coloration of the legs. Like other members of its genus, this species is poorly known biologically, with limited published information on its life history, behavior, or ecology.
Chrysopilus thoracicus
Golden-backed Snipe Fly
Chrysopilus thoracicus, commonly known as the golden-backed snipe fly, is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae. It is typically found in woodland habitats of eastern North America. The species is distinguished by its golden or yellowish coloration on the thorax, which gives rise to its common name. Adults are most commonly observed during late spring and early summer months.
Chrysopilus xanthopus
Chrysopilus xanthopus is a species of snipe fly in the family Rhagionidae, described by Hardy in 1949. The genus name derives from Greek 'chryso' (gold) and Latin 'pilus' (hair), referencing the metallic scaling characteristic of Chrysopilus species. As a member of the Chrysopilinae subfamily, it shares the ornate appearance typical of this group. Very little species-specific information is documented in available sources.
Chrysops aberrans
Wandering Deer Fly
Chrysops aberrans is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae. It is commonly known as the Wandering Deer Fly. The species was described by Philip in 1941. As a member of the genus Chrysops, it belongs to a group of biting flies known for their painful bites to mammals, including humans.
Chrysops asbestos
Shining Deer Fly
Chrysops asbestos, commonly known as the Shining Deer Fly, is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae. It was described by Philip in 1950. The species epithet 'asbestos' is noted as one of the humorous or 'silly' scientific names in entomology, referencing the fibrous mineral. As a member of the genus Chrysops, it shares the characteristic blood-feeding behavior of female deer flies, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available sources.
Chrysops beameri
deer fly
Chrysops beameri is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Brennan in 1935. The species belongs to the genus Chrysops, a diverse group of biting flies commonly known as deer flies or yellow flies. Like other members of this genus, it is presumed to be a blood-feeding fly with females requiring blood meals for egg development. Very little specific information has been published about this particular species.
Chrysops brimleyi
deer fly
Chrysops brimleyi is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Hine in 1904. As a member of the genus Chrysops, it shares the characteristic features of deer flies, including large eyes and biting mouthparts. The species is known from the United States. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only three documented on iNaturalist.
Chrysops cincticornis
Ring-clawed Deer Fly
Chrysops cincticornis is a deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Walker in 1848. It is commonly known as the Ring-clawed Deer Fly. The species has been documented in Vermont and other parts of the United States, with 291 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Research on this species has focused on its oviposition behavior and fecundity, with laboratory studies showing females deposit eggs in gelatinous masses on mud substrates near water, averaging 156 eggs per female.
deer-flyTabanidaeDipteramedical-entomologyovipositionfecundityring-clawed-deer-flyVermontUnited-Statesmud-substrategelatinous-egg-massChrysopsinaeChrysopsiniWalker-1848iNaturalistlaboratory-rearingegg-mass156-eggsrange-42-312near-watermud-like-substrateegg-depositionreproductionbehavioral-studymedical-entomology-researchinsect-vectorsbiting-fliestabanid-flieshorse-fliesdeer-fliesChrysopsNorth-AmericaNew-Englandobservation-recordssynonym-status-in-Catalogue-of-Lifeaccepted-status-in-GBIFarthropodinsectflyBrachyceraTabanomorphaHexapodaPterygotaAnimaliaArthropodaInsectacincticornisChrysops-cincticornis-Walker-1848Chrysops-(Chrysops)-cincticornisdeerflyhorseflytabanidbiting-flyvectoroviposition-behaviorfecundity-studyJournal-of-Medical-Entomology198210.1093/jmedent/19.5.597gelatinous-secretionmudwaterlaboratory-conditionsmean-fecundityegg-productionreproductive-biologyentomologyinsect-behaviorinsect-reproductiondipterantrue-flytwo-winged-flynematoceranCyclorrhaphaAschizaSchizophoraAcalyptrataeCalyptrataeOestroideaMuscoideaHippoboscoideaGlossinidaeCalliphoridaeSarcophagidaeMuscidaeFanniidaeAnthomyiidaeScathophagidaeOestridaeTachinidaeSiphonapteraPhthirapteraHemipteraColeopteraLepidopteraHymenopteraNeuropteraMegalopteraRaphidiopteraTrichopteraStrepsipteraMecopteraDipluraProturaCollembolaZygentomaArchaeognathaEphemeropteraOdonataPlecopteraGrylloblattodeaMantophasmatodeaPhasmatodeaOrthopteraDermapteraEmbiopteraZorapteraIsopteraBlattodeaMantodeaPhyllodocidaNotopteraWalker1848speciestaxongelatinoushabitatdistributionGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIlaboratory-studybehaviorlife-cyclesubstratemud-likemeanrange42-312femaleobservationrecordspecimencollectionmuseumresearchstudyarticleabstractDOIbiologyecologyhorse-flyacceptedsynonymtaxonomyclassificationUS291-observationslaboratory291-iNaturalist-observationsGBIF-distribution-recordsaccepted-species-statussynonym-in-Catalogue-of-Life156-eggs-mean-fecundityrange-42-312-eggs1982-Journal-of-Medical-Entomology-publicationDOI-10.1093/jmedent/19.5.597entomology-researchdipteran-biologyChrysops clavicornis
deer fly
Chrysops clavicornis is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Brennan in 1935. It belongs to the genus Chrysops, a diverse group of biting flies commonly known as deer flies or yellow flies. The species is characterized by clubbed antennae, as indicated by its specific epithet 'clavicornis' (from Latin clavus = club, cornu = horn). Like other members of the genus, it is likely a blood-feeding fly with females requiring blood meals for egg development.
Chrysops cuclux
deer fly
Chrysops cuclux is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Whitney in 1879. As a member of the genus Chrysops, it shares the characteristic blood-feeding behavior typical of female deer flies. The species is recorded from the United States, with distribution records from Vermont and other locations. Like other deer flies, it likely has aquatic or semi-aquatic larval stages and is active during warmer months.
Chrysops cursim
deer fly
Chrysops cursim is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Whitney in 1879. It belongs to the genus Chrysops, a diverse group of biting flies commonly known as deer flies or yellow flies. The species is recorded from the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a blood-feeding fly with females requiring vertebrate blood for egg development, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Chrysops dissimilis
Chrysops dissimilis is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Brennan in 1935. It belongs to the genus Chrysops, a diverse group of biting flies commonly known as deer flies or yellow flies. The species is recognized in major taxonomic databases including GBIF and Catalogue of Life, though detailed biological information remains limited. As with other Chrysops species, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar.
Chrysops divisus
deer fly
Chrysops divisus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae. It was described by Walker in 1848. Like other members of the genus Chrysops, it is a blood-feeding fly that is known to bite humans and other mammals. The species has been recorded in the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in the available literature.
Chrysops dixianus
deer fly
Chrysops dixianus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Pechuman in 1974. The species is known from the United States. Like other members of the genus Chrysops, it belongs to the deer fly group within horse flies, characterized by their biting habits and aquatic larval development. The specific epithet 'dixianus' suggests a possible association with the southern United States (Dixie region), though this has not been explicitly documented in available sources.
Chrysops dorsovittatus
deer fly
Chrysops dorsovittatus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Hine in 1907. It belongs to the genus Chrysops, a group of biting flies known for their painful bites and distinctive eye patterns. The species is recognized as valid by GBIF, though Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym. Very little specific information is documented for this particular species.
Chrysops flavidus
deer fly
Chrysops flavidus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae. It is identifiable by its yellow legs. The species occurs in the United States and has three recognized subspecies: C. f. celatus, C. f. flavidus, and C. f. reicherti.
Chrysops macquarti
Macquart's Deer Fly
Chrysops macquarti is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae. The species was described by Philip in 1961. Like other deer flies, it belongs to a group of biting flies known for their painful bites to mammals, including humans. The specific epithet honors the French entomologist Pierre-Justin-Marie Macquart.
Chrysops noctifer
nocturnal deer fly
Chrysops noctifer is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. Like other members of the genus Chrysops, it belongs to a group of biting flies known for their painful bites and distinctive patterned eyes. The species name 'noctifer' (meaning 'night-bearer') suggests possible crepuscular or nocturnal activity patterns, though specific behavioral documentation is limited. As with other deer flies, females are blood-feeders while males feed on nectar.
Chrysops univittatus
One-striped Deer Fly
Chrysops univittatus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, commonly known as the One-striped Deer Fly. Females are most abundant in late July and early August in southwestern Quebec. The species is anautogenous, requiring a blood meal for egg development, and exhibits a single gonotrophic cycle.
Chrysops upsilon
Chrysops upsilon is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, described by Philip in 1950. Like other members of the genus Chrysops, it is a biting fly with females that require blood meals for egg development. The species is part of a diverse group of tabanids known for their painful bites and role as pests of humans and livestock. Specific ecological details for this species remain limited in available literature.
Chrysops virgulatus
deer fly
Chrysops virgulatus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Bellardi in 1859. The species is currently accepted as valid, though the Catalogue of Life lists it as a synonym, indicating taxonomic uncertainty or ongoing revision. Deer flies in the genus Chrysops are known for their biting behavior and are typically found in moist, vegetated habitats near water sources. As with other members of Tabanidae, females require blood meals for egg development.
Chrysops vittatus
deer fly
Chrysops vittatus is a species of deer fly in the family Tabanidae, first described by Wiedemann in 1821. Like other members of the genus Chrysops, it is a biting fly known for its blood-feeding behavior. The species has been documented in laboratory life history studies alongside congeners C. atlanticus and C. univittatus. Specific field data on this species remains limited in the available sources.
Chrysosyrphus frontosus
Chrysosyrphus frontosus is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, subfamily Eristalinae, and tribe Brachyopini. The species was described by Bigot in 1884. It belongs to a genus of small to medium-sized syrphid flies. Published information on its biology and ecology remains limited.
Chrysotachina
Chrysotachina is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1889. The genus comprises approximately 22 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species within this genus are parasitoids, with larvae developing inside other insects. The genus is placed in the tribe Polideini within the subfamily Tachininae.
Chrysotoxum chinook
Chinook Meadow Fly
Chrysotoxum chinook is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) described by Shannon in 1926. The common name "Chinook Meadow Fly" suggests a potential association with meadow habitats. As a member of the genus Chrysotoxum, it belongs to a group of syrphid flies often characterized by distinctive yellow and black coloration. Beyond taxonomic classification and nomenclature, specific biological details about this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Chrysotoxum derivatum
Narrow-banded Meadow Fly
Chrysotoxum derivatum is a North American hoverfly (family Syrphidae) first described by Francis Walker in 1849. The species is commonly known as the Narrow-banded Meadow Fly. It is a relatively large hoverfly, measuring 8.9–16.2 mm in length. The species occurs across a broad geographic range from southern Alaska through Canada and the United States to Mexico.
Chrysotus affinis
Chrysotus affinis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. The genus Chrysotus is part of the subfamily Diaphorinae and includes numerous small, metallic-colored flies. Members of this genus are generally predatory as adults, though specific ecological details for C. affinis remain poorly documented.
Chrysotus bellus
Chrysotus bellus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1924. The genus Chrysotus belongs to the subfamily Diaphorinae and comprises numerous small, metallic-colored flies commonly found in diverse habitats. As with other members of Dolichopodidae, these flies are characterized by their elongated legs and generally predatory habits. The specific epithet "bellus" (Latin for "beautiful") likely refers to some aspect of the species' appearance.
Chrysotus leucostoma
Chrysotus leucostoma is a species of long-legged fly (family Dolichopodidae) described by Loew in 1861. The genus Chrysotus belongs to the subfamily Diaphorinae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. Members of this genus are generally associated with moist or wetland habitats. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 3 documented occurrences in iNaturalist.
Chrysotus obliquus
Chrysotus obliquus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. The genus Chrysotus is part of the subfamily Diaphorinae, a diverse group of small predatory flies commonly found in various habitats. Very little specific information has been documented about the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Chyliza apicalis
Chyliza apicalis is a species of rust fly in the family Psilidae, first described by Hermann Loew in 1860. The genus Chyliza belongs to the subfamily Chylizinae, a group of small to medium-sized flies characterized by distinctive wing venation and often striking color patterns. Species in this genus are frequently associated with herbaceous plants, though specific ecological details for C. apicalis remain limited in published literature. The species is recognized as valid and accepted in major taxonomic databases including GBIF and Catalogue of Life.
Chyliza erudita
Chyliza erudita is a species of rust fly in the family Psilidae, first described by Melander in 1920. It belongs to the genus Chyliza, a group of small flies commonly associated with plant stems and roots. The species is part of the subfamily Chylizinae within Psilidae. Limited specific ecological data are available for this species.
Chyliza notata
Chymomyza aldrichii
Chymomyza aldrichii is a species of vinegar fly in the family Drosophilidae, described by Sturtevant in 1916. It belongs to a genus of small flies commonly associated with decaying plant matter. The species is poorly documented in public sources, with minimal observational records available.
Chymomyza amoena
A Nearctic drosophilid fruit fly native to eastern United States forests. It has established as an invasive species in Europe since its discovery in former Czechoslovakia in 1975, subsequently spreading to Switzerland, Italy, and German border regions. The species exhibits a distinctive ecological strategy: breeding in damaged or parasitized nuts and fruits rather than relying solely on fermenting substrates. This behavioral constancy for interspecies dependency—exploiting substrates pre-conditioned by other insects—has enabled it to occupy a vacant niche in European ecosystems.
Chyromyidae
Golden Flies
Chyromyidae are small to minute acalyptrate flies (Diptera: Heleomyzoidea) commonly known as Golden Flies. The family contains approximately 150 described species worldwide, currently classified into four genera, though ongoing research suggests additional generic diversity exists. Adults are characterized by pale yellow body coloration and striking iridescent eyes. The family's biology remains poorly understood, with no complete life histories documented for any species.
Cladochaeta
Cladochaeta is a genus of small flies in the family Drosophilidae, established by Coquillett in 1900. The genus belongs to the tribe Cladochaetini and is part of the diverse acalyptrate fly radiation. At least one species has been documented from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest in association with spittlebug nymphs. The genus is morphologically and ecologically distinct from the homonymous plant genus in Asteraceae.
Clanoneurum
shore flies
Clanoneurum is a genus of shore flies (family Ephydridae) established by Becker in 1903. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across multiple continents, including C. americanum, C. cimiciforme, C. menozzii, and C. orientale. Shore flies in this family are generally associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats.
Clanoneurum americanum
Clanoneurum americanum is a species of shore fly in the family Ephydridae, described by Cresson in 1940. The genus Clanoneurum belongs to a group of flies commonly associated with moist or shoreline habitats. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Clausicella
Clausicella is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Rondani in 1856. The genus contains at least 18 described species distributed across the Americas, with records from North America through South America. As members of the tribe Leskiini within subfamily Tachininae, these flies are parasitoids, though specific host associations remain poorly documented for most species.
Clausicella floridensis
Clausicella floridensis is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, a group of parasitoid flies. The species was described by Townsend in 1892. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a tachinid, it likely parasitizes other insects, though specific host relationships remain undocumented.
Clinocera binotata
Clinocera binotata is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, subfamily Clinocerinae. The species was described by Loew in 1876. Like other members of the genus Clinocera, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The specific epithet 'binotata' refers to two spots or markings, likely describing a distinctive pattern on the body.
Clinocera lineata
Clinocera lineata is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1862. It belongs to the subfamily Clinocerinae, a group of predatory flies often associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The genus Clinocera comprises species commonly known as dance flies due to their characteristic swarming behavior during mating. Information regarding the specific biology and ecology of C. lineata is limited in available sources.
Clinodiplosis rhododendri
Rhododendron Gall Midge
Clinodiplosis rhododendri is a gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae that induces gall formation on rhododendron plants. The species is known primarily from limited observations, with most records documenting its association with cultivated and native Rhododendron species. As a gall-forming insect, it manipulates host plant tissue to create protected feeding structures. The species is of interest to horticulturists due to its potential impact on ornamental rhododendrons.
Clinohelea bimaculata
Bimaculata Group
Clinohelea bimaculata is a species of biting midge in the family Ceratopogonidae, first described by Loew in 1861. It belongs to a diverse family of tiny flies commonly known as no-see-ums, punkies, or biting midges. The species has been documented in North America, with photographic records from Kansas. Like other ceratopogonids, it is extremely small and presents significant challenges for observation and identification.
Clitellariinae
soldier flies
Clitellariinae is a subfamily of soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) comprising approximately 35 genera. The group has been documented in North America, including Canada and Alaska, where it is represented by multiple genera and species. Taxonomic keys for adults and larvae have been developed for regional faunas. The subfamily is distinguished from related subfamilies Beridinae and Sarginae by morphological features accessible through diagnostic keys.
Clusiodes
Clusiodes is a genus of flies in the family Clusiidae, containing at least 60–70 described species. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized flies associated with forest habitats. The genus was established by Coquillett in 1904.