Northern Chiselmouth
Andrenosoma fulvicaudum
This record describes Andrenosoma fulvicaudum (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Head | Covered with white hair. Mustache (mystax) black, stout bristles. Some black bristles around antenna base. Antenna: Black, short with 3 joints. |
| Thorax | Varied black and gray. Down center two wide black stripes. Thorax sides (pleura) with long white hair. Segment 2 (scutellum) small with black bristles. Wings: Dark, blackish. Veins smudged brownish. |
| Legs | Black with long white hair. Feet have shorter black bristles. Toes yellow. |
| Abdomen | Blue-black on first 4 segments, covered with long white hair on sides. Last 3 (sometimes 4) segments reddish-brown. Female ovipositor pointed, brownish. Types: Holotype as Laphria fulvicauda by Say, 1823. Type Locality: Missouri. Type lost. |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Dry, sandy locations with trees. Prefers resting on logs, trunks and stumps in sunlight.
Geographic Range
transcontinental (across so. Canada to FL-TX-CA & Mexico)
Seasonal Activity
June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on mostly bees and wasps; one report of wood boring beetles
Life History
Adults found on tree trunks. Larvae and pupa have been collected under oak log bark in cells of Buprestid Chrysobothris femorata.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Andrenosoma fulvicaudum (Say 1823) Northern Chiselmouth: https://www.robberfliesoftheworld.com/NA_CommonNames.php
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Andrenosoma fulvicaudum. 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 Northern Chiselmouth (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by v belov , lee_penner , Chris Cohen
Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Chiselmouth
What is Northern Chiselmouth?
Northern Chiselmouth (Andrenosoma fulvicaudum) is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Northern Chiselmouth?
15 to 20 mm long.
How do you identify Northern Chiselmouth?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Head | Covered with white hair. Mustache (mystax) black, stout bristles. Some black bristles around antenna base. Antenna: Black, short with 3 joints. |
| Thorax | Varied black and gray. Down center two wide black stripes. Thorax sides (pleura) with long white hair. Segment 2 (scutellum) small with black bristles. Wings: Dark, blackish. Veins smudged brownish. |
| Legs | Black with long white hair. Feet have shorter black bristles. Toes yellow. |
| Abdomen | Blue-black on first 4 segments, covered with long white hair on sides. Last 3 (sometimes 4) segments reddish-brown. Female ovipositor pointed, brownish. |
Where is Northern Chiselmouth found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Dry, sandy locations with trees. Prefers resting on logs, trunks and stumps in sunlight. |
| Range | transcontinental (across so. Canada to FL-TX-CA & Mexico) |
What does Northern Chiselmouth eat?
The diet of the Northern Chiselmouth includes Larvae feed on mostly bees and wasps; one report of wood boring beetles.
When is Northern Chiselmouth active?
Northern Chiselmouth: seasonal activity - June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Northern Chiselmouth?
Adults found on tree trunks. Larvae and pupa have been collected under oak log bark in cells of Buprestid Chrysobothris femorata.