Anthomyia ochripes
This record describes Anthomyia ochripes (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
In California, the only Anthomyia with a pair of spots on crossvein dm-cu. Related species in California have a continuous dark band along the vein. A. confusa has a similar pair of spots, more dark markings near the base of the wing, and is only found in extreme southern Arizona and Texas within the United States.
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
Northern California to central Mexico
Seasonal Activity
"Most collections in Southern California were made during the winter months, but collections at higher elevations both in California and the Mexican Highlands were made during summer. In the San Francisco Bay district this species has been collected throughout the year, but more frequently during winter."
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: From the words for yellow and feet. The legs are partly yellow, compared to black in most related species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anthomyia ochripes. 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 ochripes (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthomyia ochripes
What is Anthomyia ochripes?
Anthomyia ochripes is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Anthomyia ochripes?
In California, the only Anthomyia with a pair of spots on crossvein dm-cu. Related species in California have a continuous dark band along the vein. A. confusa has a similar pair of spots, more dark markings near the base of the wing, and is only found in extreme southern Arizona and Texas within the United States.
Where is Anthomyia ochripes found?
Range: Northern California to central Mexico
When is Anthomyia ochripes active?
Anthomyia ochripes: seasonal activity - Most collections in Southern California were made during the winter months, but collections at higher elevations both in California and the Mexican Highlands were made during summer. In the San Francisco Bay district this species has been collected throughout the year, but more frequently during winter..