Chalcosyrphus inarmatus
This record describes Chalcosyrphus inarmatus (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black fly with yellow hair and shiny face. Can be mistaken for Brachypalpus oarus , but note hind tibiae broadly orange at the base and at least two basal tarsomeres orange on hind legs. In front view, Brachypalpus has a triangular head; head is oval on Chalcosyrphus .
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental (QC-BC to NC-ID)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chalcosyrphus inarmatus Hunter 1897
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chalcosyrphus inarmatus. 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 Chalcosyrphus inarmatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kelsey J.R.P. Byers; Additional contributions by Ben Coulter , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chalcosyrphus inarmatus
What is Chalcosyrphus inarmatus?
Chalcosyrphus inarmatus is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Chalcosyrphus inarmatus?
Black fly with yellow hair and shiny face. Can be mistaken for Brachypalpus oarus , but note hind tibiae broadly orange at the base and at least two basal tarsomeres orange on hind legs. In front view, Brachypalpus has a triangular head; head is oval on Chalcosyrphus .
Where is Chalcosyrphus inarmatus found?
Range: transcontinental (QC-BC to NC-ID)