Allopiophila tomentosa
This record describes Allopiophila tomentosa (species). Recorded family: Piophilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Thorax and abodmen pruinose, not glossy. Males may have 1-3 additional dorsocentral bristles anterior to the large posterior pair.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Piophilidae (Skipper Flies)
- Genus
- Allopiophila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Alaska to Manitoba
Seasonal Activity
June-July
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Allopiophila tomentosa. 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 Allopiophila tomentosa (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Angell
Frequently Asked Questions About Allopiophila tomentosa
What is Allopiophila tomentosa?
Allopiophila tomentosa is a species in the family Piophilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Allopiophila tomentosa?
2-3 mm body length
How do you identify Allopiophila tomentosa?
Thorax and abodmen pruinose, not glossy. Males may have 1-3 additional dorsocentral bristles anterior to the large posterior pair.
Where is Allopiophila tomentosa found?
Range: Alaska to Manitoba
When is Allopiophila tomentosa active?
Allopiophila tomentosa: seasonal activity - June-July.