Bombylius anthophilus
This record describes Bombylius anthophilus (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
extensive white coloration on underside of body and top of thorax; western distribution size and other features similar to B. major page creation based on Neal Evenhuis' comments on this image from British Columbia - specifically, Those that were previously placed in B. major that were white like this have been transferred to B. anthophilus .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Bombyliinae
- Tribe
- Bombyliini
- Genus
- Bombylius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
woodlands, edges
Geographic Range
western: California, Arizona, Baja peninsula of Mexico apparently also occurs in British Columbia (see Remarks below)
Seasonal Activity
adults fly in spring
Diet and Behavior
Diet: presumably similar to larvae and adults of B. major
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Bombylius anthophilus. 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 Bombylius anthophilus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by zdanko
Frequently Asked Questions About Bombylius anthophilus
What is Bombylius anthophilus?
Bombylius anthophilus is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Bombylius anthophilus?
extensive white coloration on underside of body and top of thorax; western distribution size and other features similar to B. major
Where is Bombylius anthophilus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | woodlands, edges |
| Range | western: California, Arizona, Baja peninsula of Mexico apparently also occurs in British Columbia (see Remarks below) |
What does Bombylius anthophilus eat?
The diet of the Bombylius anthophilus includes presumably similar to larvae and adults of B. major.
When is Bombylius anthophilus active?
Bombylius anthophilus: seasonal activity - adults fly in spring.