Bibio albipennis
This record describes Bibio albipennis (species). Recorded family: Bibionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is readily differentiated from other species of Bibio by the very short r-m crossvein and by the short inner spurs of the front tibiae. It differs from melanopilosus Hardy in being larger, having predominantly pale pile, and having nine segments in the antennae. -- D. Elmo Hardy Wing veins are approximately as here: The most common and widespread species of Bibio
Wikipedia reference for Bibio albipennis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibio_albipennis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Bibionidae (March Flies)
- Genus
- Bibio
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southern Canada to northern Mexico
Seasonal Activity
Spring
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Albipennis is Latin for "white feathers", presumably in reference to the long white hairs.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Bibio albipennis. 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 Bibio albipennis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Harsi S. Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Bibio albipennis
What is Bibio albipennis?
Bibio albipennis is a species in the family Bibionidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Bibio albipennis?
This species is readily differentiated from other species of Bibio by the very short r-m crossvein and by the short inner spurs of the front tibiae. It differs from melanopilosus Hardy in being larger, having predominantly pale pile, and having nine segments in the antennae. -- D. Elmo Hardy Wing veins are approximately as here:
Where is Bibio albipennis found?
Range: Southern Canada to northern Mexico
When is Bibio albipennis active?
Bibio albipennis: seasonal activity - Spring.