Diptera

European diptera, part of the order Diptera (true flies), include over 10,000 species across diverse habitats like forests, wetlands, and urban areas. They are characterized by a single pair of wings (hindwings reduced to halteres for balance), with bodies ranging from 1 mm (e.g., midges) to 25 mm (e.g., crane flies). Key families include: Culicidae (Mosquitoes) that are slender, with long legs and proboscis, known for blood-feeding (e.g., Culex pipiens). Muscidae (House Flies) that are robust, grayish, with scavenging habits (e.g., Musca domestica). Syrphidae (Hoverflies), bee or wasp mimics, often with yellow-black patterns, aiding pollination (e.g., Syrphus ribesii). Tipulidae (Crane Flies) Long-legged, delicate, often mistaken for large mosquitoes.

Colours range from dull browns to vibrant mimics, aiding survival. Larvae (maggots) are legless, feeding on decaying matter, plants, or other insects, while adults vary from pests to pollinators. Lifecycles span egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, typically completing in weeks to months.