Chersodromia parallela
This record describes Chersodromia parallela (species). Recorded family: Hybotidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other American Chersodromia by the reduced wings with apical third dark and wing veins running more or less parallel to margin.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sandy beaches along Pacific coast, possibly restricted to Washington.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The wing veins run parallel, instead of merging as in T. inchoata .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chersodromia parallela. 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 parallela (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Chersodromia parallela
What is Chersodromia parallela?
Chersodromia parallela is a species in the family Hybotidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chersodromia parallela?
2.5 mm
How do you identify Chersodromia parallela?
Distinguished from other American Chersodromia by the reduced wings with apical third dark and wing veins running more or less parallel to margin.
Where is Chersodromia parallela found?
Habitat: Sandy beaches along Pacific coast, possibly restricted to Washington.