Americina adusta
This record describes Americina adusta (species). Recorded family: Scathophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Head, thorax, and legs largely pale with 2 black stripes on the mesonotum, a black stripe on the pleura below the wing base, and blackened tarsi. Scutellum with 2 pairs of strong bristles. A1 vein reaching the wing margin. Apex of wing (but not usually crossveins) infuscated. Mid femur of male with many stout black ventral spines.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Scathophagidae (Dung Flies)
- Subfamily
- Delininae
- Genus
- Americina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA and adjacent Canada
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Americina adusta. 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 Americina adusta (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by ceiseman , Chris Angell
Frequently Asked Questions About Americina adusta
What is Americina adusta?
Americina adusta is a species in the family Scathophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Americina adusta?
Head, thorax, and legs largely pale with 2 black stripes on the mesonotum, a black stripe on the pleura below the wing base, and blackened tarsi. Scutellum with 2 pairs of strong bristles. A1 vein reaching the wing margin. Apex of wing (but not usually crossveins) infuscated. Mid femur of male with many stout black ventral spines.
Where is Americina adusta found?
Range: Eastern USA and adjacent Canada