Apatolestes actites
This record describes Apatolestes actites (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large, grayish black, shaggy, white-haired Apatolestes not likely to be confused with other Apatolestes . (Middlekauff and Lane 1980) Females have reduced mandibles.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae in damp sand of ocean beaches. Adults found near larval habitat.
Geographic Range
"Coastal California from Mendocino County south to Santa Barbara County and Santa Cruz Island." (Middlekauff and Lane 1980)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Apatolestes actites. 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 Apatolestes actites (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Apatolestes actites
What is Apatolestes actites?
Apatolestes actites is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Apatolestes actites?
Adult female 16-17 mm, mature larvae 40 mm long.
How do you identify Apatolestes actites?
A large, grayish black, shaggy, white-haired Apatolestes not likely to be confused with other Apatolestes . (Middlekauff and Lane 1980)
Where is Apatolestes actites found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae in damp sand of ocean beaches. Adults found near larval habitat. |
| Range | Coastal California from Mendocino County south to Santa Barbara County and Santa Cruz Island. (Middlekauff and Lane 1980) |