Anthrax irroratus
This record describes Anthrax irroratus (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Head | Brown. Eyes large, sometimes with white along inner eye margins. Antenna: Brown, very short, palpi-like placed low on face. |
| Thorax | Black, often bald with fringe of long brown hair surrounding thorax. Some whitish scales around segment 2 (scutellum). Wings: Mostly dark brown, with tiny white squares along outer (costal) edge. Inner wing margin area has clear areas speckled with black; usually a larger area of clear about mid wing extending from inner to almost the outer margin. |
| Legs | Brown, long and thin. Some long hairs on shins. |
| Abdomen | Black, hairy, with fringe of longer black hairs mixed with a few white along each side of abdomen. Some white scales also throughout the abdomen. Types: Holotype as Anthrax irroratus by Say, 1823. Type Locality: Near Rocky Mountains. Type lost. Possibly a lectotype in the Academy of Natural Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. |
Wikipedia reference for Anthrax irroratus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthrax_irroratus.
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
Habitat
Forests
Geographic Range
transcontinental, NS-AK to Honduras; Puerto Rico
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults do not eat. Larvae feed on many wasp and bee larvae.
Life History
pupa illustrated in , fig. 458.3 "A parasite of a variety of hymenopterous insects nesting in logs, banks, and open, flat areas. Females often are observed ovipositing in openings of tunnels in stumps and logs and are sometimes attracted to the collector, flipping eggs at dark spots on clothing."
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anthrax irroratus Say 1823
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Anthrax irroratus. 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 irroratus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff , v belov , lee_penner
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthrax irroratus
What is Anthrax irroratus?
Anthrax irroratus is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Anthrax irroratus?
4 to 9 mm long.
How do you identify Anthrax irroratus?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Head | Brown. Eyes large, sometimes with white along inner eye margins. Antenna: Brown, very short, palpi-like placed low on face. |
| Thorax | Black, often bald with fringe of long brown hair surrounding thorax. Some whitish scales around segment 2 (scutellum). Wings: Mostly dark brown, with tiny white squares along outer (costal) edge. Inner wing margin area has clear areas speckled with black; usually a larger area of clear about mid wing extending from inner to almost the outer margin. |
| Legs | Brown, long and thin. Some long hairs on shins. |
| Abdomen | Black, hairy, with fringe of longer black hairs mixed with a few white along each side of abdomen. Some white scales also throughout the abdomen. |
Where is Anthrax irroratus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Forests |
| Range | transcontinental, NS-AK to Honduras; Puerto Rico |
What does Anthrax irroratus eat?
The diet of the Anthrax irroratus includes Adults do not eat. Larvae feed on many wasp and bee larvae..
When is Anthrax irroratus active?
Anthrax irroratus: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Anthrax irroratus?
pupa illustrated in , fig. 458.3 A parasite of a variety of hymenopterous insects nesting in logs, banks, and open, flat areas. Females often are observed ovipositing in openings of tunnels in stumps and logs and are sometimes attracted to the collector, flipping eggs at dark spots on clothing.