Bibiodes aestiva
This record describes Bibiodes aestiva (species). Recorded family: Bibionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male with swollen hind tarsomeres.
Identification notes
Male with swollen hind tarsomeres.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Bibionidae (March Flies)
- Genus
- Bibiodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Western North America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aestiva is a Latin word meaning related to summer, or a place where summer is spent. This species flies in summer, the others in winter.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Bibiodes aestiva. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bibiodes aestiva
What is Bibiodes aestiva?
Bibiodes aestiva is a species in the family Bibionidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Bibiodes aestiva?
Male with swollen hind tarsomeres.
Where is Bibiodes aestiva found?
Range: Western North America