Hydrotaea
Hydrotaea is a genus of insects in the housefly family, Muscidae. They occur in most regions of the world but are more populous in warmer climates. They are often found on feces in summer months, and are therefore generally found in close proximity to livestock. Among the 130 known species in this genus, one of the most commonly recognized is the dump fly.
| Hydrotaea | |
|---|---|
| Female Hydrotaea diabolus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Diptera |
| Family: | Muscidae |
| Subfamily: | Azeliinae |
| Tribe: | Azeliini |
| Genus: | Hydrotaea Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 |
| Type species | |
| Musca meteorica | |
| Synonyms | |
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Along with many others genera in the family, Hydrotaea is of forensic importance in both the economic and public health scene. Flies in general are considered by many authorities to be the most important insects involved in human and veterinary medicine. Certain Hydrotaea species have been proven to carry and transmit certain diseases to warm blooded animals, including humans. Researchers continue to monitor these vectors of disease as they have been connected with the spread of mastitis.