Anthomyia obscuripennis
This record describes Anthomyia obscuripennis (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male with wing strongly narrowed at base and darkened at apex. Male with broad frons, as in female. Related to the European Anthomyia monilis .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthomyiinae
- Tribe
- Anthomyiini
- Genus
- Anthomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread in California and Baja California.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
"The Californian A. obscuripennis has once been reported to have been reared from dog faeces. This is the only information on the life history." -- Griffiths, 2001
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Obscuripennis, shadowy wings, refers to the darkened wings of the male.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anthomyia obscuripennis. 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 Anthomyia obscuripennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthomyia obscuripennis
What is Anthomyia obscuripennis?
Anthomyia obscuripennis is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Anthomyia obscuripennis?
Male with wing strongly narrowed at base and darkened at apex. Male with broad frons, as in female.
Where is Anthomyia obscuripennis found?
Range: Widespread in California and Baja California.
What is the life cycle of a Anthomyia obscuripennis?
The Californian A. obscuripennis has once been reported to have been reared from dog faeces. This is the only information on the life history. -- Griffiths, 2001