Boettcheria cimbicis
This record describes Boettcheria cimbicis (species). Recorded family: Sarcophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Separating males of this species from other related Boettcheria requires examination of the terminalia. Females have pruinosity covering the entire posterior surface of the metafemur, unlike all other Boettcheria. Boettcheria cimbicis is the most commonly collected species of Boettcheria and is also one of the most commonly collected Sarcophagidae in its range.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Sarcophagidae (Flesh Flies)
- Subfamily
- Sarcophaginae
- Tribe
- Johnsoniini
- Genus
- Boettcheria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lives in a wide variety of habitats and altitudes. Adults are most commonly found in open areas with flat, horizontal surfaces to rest on. Commonly found in cities.
Geographic Range
Widely distributed East of the Rockies, ranging from Northern Canada well into Mexico.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae have been reared from vertebrate carrion, dead insects, and a wide range of live insects including several sawfly, moth, and scarab species.
Life History
Full life cycle takes about 3 weeks.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Boettcheria cimbicis (Townsend)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Boettcheria cimbicis. 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 Boettcheria cimbicis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bennett Grappone
Frequently Asked Questions About Boettcheria cimbicis
What is Boettcheria cimbicis?
Boettcheria cimbicis is a species in the family Sarcophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Boettcheria cimbicis?
Separating males of this species from other related Boettcheria requires examination of the terminalia. Females have pruinosity covering the entire posterior surface of the metafemur, unlike all other Boettcheria.
Where is Boettcheria cimbicis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Lives in a wide variety of habitats and altitudes. Adults are most commonly found in open areas with flat, horizontal surfaces to rest on. Commonly found in cities. |
| Range | Widely distributed East of the Rockies, ranging from Northern Canada well into Mexico. |
What does Boettcheria cimbicis eat?
The diet of the Boettcheria cimbicis includes Larvae have been reared from vertebrate carrion, dead insects, and a wide range of live insects including several sawfly, moth, and scarab species..
What is the life cycle of a Boettcheria cimbicis?
Full life cycle takes about 3 weeks.