Anasimyia bilinearis
This record describes Anasimyia bilinearis (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Abdomen | Male black with white triangle at each side of segment 1, tip expanding at base of segment 2. Some faint greyish marks on other segments, or not. Female same as male on 1 and 2. Segments 3 and 4 have broken stripes not reaching side edges. Segment 4 has stripe across lower margin, raised and pointed at center. |
| Thorax | Black. Male has two thin stripes down thorax, female has 4 wide stripes. Thorax side edges with yellowish-tan hair. Scutellum reddish-yellow, sometimes partly outlined with black. Types: Holotype as Helophilus bilinearis male by Williston, 1886. Type Locality: Colorado. In the United States National Museum, Smithsonian, Washington, D.C. |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Near or in ponds, swamps, bogs, creeks.
Seasonal Activity
April to June
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lejops bilinearis (Williston 1887)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anasimyia bilinearis. 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 Anasimyia bilinearis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , v belov , lee_penner
Frequently Asked Questions About Anasimyia bilinearis
What is Anasimyia bilinearis?
Anasimyia bilinearis is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Anasimyia bilinearis?
8 to 11 mm long
How do you identify Anasimyia bilinearis?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Abdomen | Male black with white triangle at each side of segment 1, tip expanding at base of segment 2. Some faint greyish marks on other segments, or not. Female same as male on 1 and 2. Segments 3 and 4 have broken stripes not reaching side edges. Segment 4 has stripe across lower margin, raised and pointed at center. |
| Thorax | Black. Male has two thin stripes down thorax, female has 4 wide stripes. Thorax side edges with yellowish-tan hair. Scutellum reddish-yellow, sometimes partly outlined with black. |
Where is Anasimyia bilinearis found?
Habitat: Near or in ponds, swamps, bogs, creeks.
When is Anasimyia bilinearis active?
Anasimyia bilinearis: seasonal activity - April to June.