Acrosathe pacifica
This record describes Acrosathe pacifica (species). Recorded family: Therevidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The dark brown to black setae on the head and thorax of the male is distinctive. Females are separable, from the otherwise similarly colored Acrosathe vanduzeei , by a dark brown horizontal bar on the frons (Webb 2009). For females, a photograph showing the face will help with identification.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Therevidae (Stiletto Flies)
- Subfamily
- Therevinae
- Genus
- Acrosathe
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Coastal dunes
Geographic Range
This species has only been recorded in Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties in California, but coastal habitat in northern Santa Barbara County has not been surveyed (Webb 2009).
Seasonal Activity
Adults have been collected in February and from April through August (Webb 2009).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Acrosathe pacifica. 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 Acrosathe pacifica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Alice Abela
Frequently Asked Questions About Acrosathe pacifica
What is Acrosathe pacifica?
Acrosathe pacifica is a species in the family Therevidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Acrosathe pacifica?
Male body length is 6.5–9.6 mm, female body length is 7.7–10.0 (Webb 2009).
How do you identify Acrosathe pacifica?
The dark brown to black setae on the head and thorax of the male is distinctive. Females are separable, from the otherwise similarly colored Acrosathe vanduzeei , by a dark brown horizontal bar on the frons (Webb 2009).
Where is Acrosathe pacifica found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Coastal dunes |
| Range | This species has only been recorded in Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties in California, but coastal habitat in northern Santa Barbara County has not been surveyed (Webb 2009). |
When is Acrosathe pacifica active?
Acrosathe pacifica: seasonal activity - Adults have been collected in February and from April through August (Webb 2009)..