Bombylius diegoensis
This record describes Bombylius diegoensis (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
See photos in guide.
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
Geographic Range
Nearctic: Mexico (Baja California Norte), USA (AZ, CA); see WorldCat .
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults take nectar on flowers of Salvia , Cryptantha , etc. ( ).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of species is Painter, 1933 ( nearctica.com ). Species name likely refers to San Diego, California.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Bombylius diegoensis. 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 diegoensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch
Frequently Asked Questions About Bombylius diegoensis
How do you identify Bombylius diegoensis?
See photos in guide.
Where is Bombylius diegoensis found?
Range: Nearctic: Mexico (Baja California Norte), USA (AZ, CA); see WorldCat .
What does Bombylius diegoensis eat?
The diet of the Bombylius diegoensis includes Adults take nectar on flowers of Salvia , Cryptantha , etc. ( )..