[3] 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.

[4] Certain Hydrotaea species have been proven to carry and transmit certain diseases to warm blooded animals, including humans.

Flies in this genus are found in the warmer parts of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

They are attracted to fermentation and are often found in vegetation, feces, and decomposing carcasses, mainly those dead longer than ten days.

Mature flies seek out decay, preferably in material that has been dead for an extended amount of time.

[5] Research has incriminated Hydrotaea irritans as a vector of summer mastitis, a bovine infection that can be caused by multiple suspected bacteria.

[6] The research allowed flies inoculated with select bacteria from a sample representing summer mastitis to come in contact with the udders of cattle.

[15] Hydrotaea species have been helpful in forensic cases worldwide by indicating post-mortem interval (PMI).