Asteia beata
This record describes Asteia beata (species). Recorded family: Asteiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black, slightly pollinose mesonotum; yellow scutellum; and yellow abdomen with black spots identify this species within its genus.
Classification
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Beata is Latin for blessed. Apparently Aldrich followed a convention established for European species of Asteia , which have names such as amoena (lovely), concinna (pretty), and elegantula (diminutive of elegant).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Asteia beata. 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 Asteia beata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Asteia beata
What is Asteia beata?
Asteia beata is a species in the family Asteiidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Asteia beata?
2.4 mm
How do you identify Asteia beata?
Black, slightly pollinose mesonotum; yellow scutellum; and yellow abdomen with black spots identify this species within its genus.