Anthrax georgicus
This record describes Anthrax georgicus (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
See comments at
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
transcontinental, Canada to Costa Rica; Cuba
Seasonal Activity
Jul‒Sep in e.Canada , Jun‒Oct in NC
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Parasitoid of tiger beetles ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anthrax georgicus Macquart 1834
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anthrax georgicus. 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 georgicus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthrax georgicus
How big is Anthrax georgicus?
Body 7‒10 mm
How do you identify Anthrax georgicus?
See comments at
Where is Anthrax georgicus found?
Range: transcontinental, Canada to Costa Rica; Cuba
When is Anthrax georgicus active?
Anthrax georgicus: seasonal activity - Jul‒Sep in e.Canada , Jun‒Oct in NC.
What is the life cycle of a Anthrax georgicus?
Parasitoid of tiger beetles ( 3 )