Callicera erratica
This record describes Callicera erratica (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
pile color variable; extreme color forms used to be treated as distinct taxa ( auripila , johnsoni )
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (QC-ON to *SC-AL-TX) (*BG data); NV record in prob. in error
Seasonal Activity
flying 26.ii (AL) to 19.vi (ON), most records in Apr
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Callicera erratica ( Walker 1849)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Callicera erratica. 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 Callicera erratica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Callicera erratica
What is Callicera erratica?
Callicera erratica is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Callicera erratica?
pile color variable; extreme color forms used to be treated as distinct taxa ( auripila , johnsoni )
Where is Callicera erratica found?
Range: e. NA (QC-ON to *SC-AL-TX) (*BG data); NV record in prob. in error
When is Callicera erratica active?
Callicera erratica: seasonal activity - flying 26.ii (AL) to 19.vi (ON), most records in Apr.