Chersodromia megacetes
This record describes Chersodromia megacetes (species). Recorded family: Hybotidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wings longer than abdomen; thorax shiny-black above; wings whitish (no infuscation); halteres white; in males, pygidium about as large as the rest of abdomen ( Melander 1945:80 )
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coastal
Geographic Range
California
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chersodromia megacetes Melander 1945
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chersodromia megacetes. 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 Chersodromia megacetes (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chersodromia megacetes
What is Chersodromia megacetes?
Chersodromia megacetes is a species in the family Hybotidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Chersodromia megacetes?
Wings longer than abdomen; thorax shiny-black above; wings whitish (no infuscation); halteres white; in males, pygidium about as large as the rest of abdomen ( Melander 1945:80 )
Where is Chersodromia megacetes found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coastal |
| Range | California |