Acridomyia canadensis
This record describes Acridomyia canadensis (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Muscoid fly without palps or vibrissae; thoracic bristles short.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Pegomyinae
- Genus
- Acridomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly in summer, pupae overwinter in soil.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Parasitoid of Acrididae, especially Melanoplus . The host may survive a single larva but usually many are present.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Acridomyia canadensis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Acridomyia canadensis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Acridomyia canadensis
What is Acridomyia canadensis?
Acridomyia canadensis is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Acridomyia canadensis?
Muscoid fly without palps or vibrissae; thoracic bristles short.
When is Acridomyia canadensis active?
Acridomyia canadensis: seasonal activity - Adults fly in summer, pupae overwinter in soil..
What is the life cycle of a Acridomyia canadensis?
Parasitoid of Acrididae, especially Melanoplus . The host may survive a single larva but usually many are present.