Dryomyza anilis

Alternative names
Neuroctena anilis
Description

One of just three UK species in the Dryomyzidae family. Length about 12mm. A striking orange fly with large red eyes, infuscated crossveins on the wings and dark orange 'tramlines' on the thorax. It can be distinguished from the other two species in the family by having setulae along the full length of vein R1 on the dorsal wing. It also has a 'hooded' frons that obscures the antennal bases.

Similar Species

Dryope decrepita and Dryope flaveola lack setulae along the full length of vein R1 and also lack the strongly infuscated crossveins.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Adults are found in moist, shady habits among low-growing vegetation, fungi, and excrement.

When to see it

May to September.

Life History

Larvae of this genus have been reared from decaying organic matter including carrion, dung, and fungi. Males defend the small carcasses on which females oviposit as well as the females themselves during copulation and oviposition.

UK Status

Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.

VC55 Status

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Flies
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Diptera
Family:
Dryomyzidae
Records on NatureSpot:
17
First record:
16/09/2009 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
14/10/2023 (Pochin, Christine)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

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