Amblypsilopus scintillans
This record describes Amblypsilopus scintillans (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body shining, legs long and mostly yellow. Distinguished from other Sciapus and Amblypsilopus by the combination of completely dark antennae, coxae 2 and 3 of male black (yellow or weakly darkened in female), costa of wing of normal shape (vs. notched in costalis ), body shining (dulled in pollinosus ), and tibia 2 of male without row of bristles.
Wikipedia reference for Amblypsilopus scintillans: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amblypsilopus_scintillans.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Dolichopodidae (Longlegged Flies)
- Subfamily
- Sciapodinae
- Genus
- Amblypsilopus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Amblypsilopus scintillans. 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 Amblypsilopus scintillans (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Amblypsilopus scintillans
What is Amblypsilopus scintillans?
Amblypsilopus scintillans is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Amblypsilopus scintillans?
Body shining, legs long and mostly yellow. Distinguished from other Sciapus and Amblypsilopus by the combination of completely dark antennae, coxae 2 and 3 of male black (yellow or weakly darkened in female), costa of wing of normal shape (vs. notched in costalis ), body shining (dulled in pollinosus ), and tibia 2 of male without row of bristles.
Where is Amblypsilopus scintillans found?
Range: Eastern USA