Botanophila latifrontalis
This record describes Botanophila latifrontalis (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Proepisternum bare, palpi not expanded, face not narrowed, anepimeron bare, male frons width similar to female, 3 pairs of presutural acrostichal setae developed, tergites 3-5 with discal rows of setae, tibiae yellowish, hypopygium slightly swollen in profile, sternite 5 fringed with short fine hairs.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthomyiinae
- Tribe
- Fucelliini
- Genus
- Botanophila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
US: MI-MA, AZ-GA
Seasonal Activity
Apparently September (Huckett, 1924).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Botanophila latifrontalis. 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 Botanophila latifrontalis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Botanophila latifrontalis
What is Botanophila latifrontalis?
Botanophila latifrontalis is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Botanophila latifrontalis?
Proepisternum bare, palpi not expanded, face not narrowed, anepimeron bare, male frons width similar to female, 3 pairs of presutural acrostichal setae developed, tergites 3-5 with discal rows of setae, tibiae yellowish, hypopygium slightly swollen in profile, sternite 5 fringed with short fine hairs.
Where is Botanophila latifrontalis found?
Range: US: MI-MA, AZ-GA
When is Botanophila latifrontalis active?
Botanophila latifrontalis: seasonal activity - Apparently September (Huckett, 1924)..