Anasimyia chrysostoma
This record describes Anasimyia chrysostoma (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Both male and female have 4 wide grey to yellowish-white stripes. Scutellum black, lower margin yellowish to reddish. |
| Abdomen | Female has thick, greyish-white curved and broken stripes on each segment, lower margin of segments has a narrow white line. Male stripes same as female, but narrower, last half or more of abdomen red. Types: Holotype as Eristalis chrysostoma female by Wiedemann, 1830. Type Locality: Unknown. Possibly in Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (Vienna) Austria which holds most of his diptera types, including several types by Thomas Say; some parts of his collection were destroyed by fire at the museum in 1848. Holotype as Lejops relictus male by Curran & Fluke, 1926. Type Locality: Ontario. In the Canadian National Collection, Ottawa, Ontario. Type #2222. |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
Mid-May to September
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anasimyia chrysostoma. 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 chrysostoma (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , v belov , lee_penner
Frequently Asked Questions About Anasimyia chrysostoma
What is Anasimyia chrysostoma?
Anasimyia chrysostoma is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Anasimyia chrysostoma?
8 to 10 mm long.
How do you identify Anasimyia chrysostoma?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Both male and female have 4 wide grey to yellowish-white stripes. Scutellum black, lower margin yellowish to reddish. |
| Abdomen | Female has thick, greyish-white curved and broken stripes on each segment, lower margin of segments has a narrow white line. Male stripes same as female, but narrower, last half or more of abdomen red. |
When is Anasimyia chrysostoma active?
Anasimyia chrysostoma: seasonal activity - Mid-May to September.