Anthrax cintalpa
This record describes Anthrax cintalpa (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to A. irroratus , but cintalpa has a saucer-shaped, rather than a lenticular, second antennal segment; click on photo below for enlargement: For more information please see notes on the oedipus group page.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthracinae
- Tribe
- Anthracini
- Genus
- Anthrax
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
From Mexico north to western USA, generally south of 41ºN latitude, except for a population in NW Nebraska: AZ, CA, CO, southern WY, NM, TX, UT.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anthrax cintalpa. 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 Anthrax cintalpa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthrax cintalpa
What is Anthrax cintalpa?
Anthrax cintalpa is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Anthrax cintalpa?
Very similar to A. irroratus , but cintalpa has a saucer-shaped, rather than a lenticular, second antennal segment; click on photo below for enlargement: For more information please see notes on the oedipus group page.
Where is Anthrax cintalpa found?
Range: From Mexico north to western USA, generally south of 41ºN latitude, except for a population in NW Nebraska: AZ, CA, CO, southern WY, NM, TX, UT.