Acrocera subfasciata
This record describes Acrocera subfasciata (species). Recorded family: Acroceridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small colorful acrocerids. This species can be told by the orange color and fasciated thorax. The lateral fasciae on the thorax extend almost to the scutellum. The male has a more triangular abdomen than the female and reduced markings. The female has the fasciated thorax and has more markings on the abdomen. The abdomen is also more rounded and has a tendency to collapse on drying.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Acroceridae (Small-headed Flies)
- Genus
- Acrocera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
northern transcontinental (MA-SD-WA-CA)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acrocera subfasciata Westwood 1848
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Acrocera subfasciata. 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 Acrocera subfasciata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Keith Bayless; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Acrocera subfasciata
What is Acrocera subfasciata?
Acrocera subfasciata is a species in the family Acroceridae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Acrocera subfasciata?
Small colorful acrocerids. This species can be told by the orange color and fasciated thorax. The lateral fasciae on the thorax extend almost to the scutellum. The male has a more triangular abdomen than the female and reduced markings. The female has the fasciated thorax and has more markings on the abdomen. The abdomen is also more rounded and has a tendency to collapse on drying.
Where is Acrocera subfasciata found?
Range: northern transcontinental (MA-SD-WA-CA)