Chlorops certimus
This record describes Chlorops certimus (species). Recorded family: Chloropidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The variation in a long series of this common and widely distributed species is considerable. It may usually be identified by a single, oval, shining black spot on the mesopleura, and by two black spots, one about the ocelli and one near the apex, on the vertical triangle. These spots are frequently connected, and occasionally the intervening area is suffused with black so that it appears as a median stripe. In all material available to the author, it was found that the clypeus was yellow in the males, but brown to black in the females. (Sabrosky, 1935) Abdomen banded black and yellow, scutellum with dark spots, palps yellow, arista pale.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Carnoidea
- Family
- Chloropidae (Frit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Chloropinae
- Tribe
- Chloropini
- Genus
- Chlorops
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually wetlands, but larvae have been reported feeding on the common upland sedge Carex pensylvanica .
Geographic Range
Widespread in North America, possibly absent from the West Coast
Seasonal Activity
Univoltine. Adults fly June to September (in Ohio; Rogers et al. 1991). Larvae overwinter in stems of sedges.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on Carex .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chlorops certimus. 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 Chlorops certimus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Chlorops certimus
What is Chlorops certimus?
Chlorops certimus is a species in the family Chloropidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Chlorops certimus?
The variation in a long series of this common and widely distributed species is considerable. It may usually be identified by a single, oval, shining black spot on the mesopleura, and by two black spots, one about the ocelli and one near the apex, on the vertical triangle. These spots are frequently connected, and occasionally the intervening area is suffused with black so that it appears as a median stripe. In all material available to the author, it was found that the clypeus was yellow in the males, but brown to black in the females. (Sabrosky, 1935) Abdomen banded black and yellow, scutellum with dark spots, palps yellow, arista pale.
Where is Chlorops certimus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Usually wetlands, but larvae have been reported feeding on the common upland sedge Carex pensylvanica . |
| Range | Widespread in North America, possibly absent from the West Coast |
What does Chlorops certimus eat?
The diet of the Chlorops certimus includes Larvae feed on Carex ..
When is Chlorops certimus active?
Chlorops certimus: seasonal activity - Univoltine. Adults fly June to September (in Ohio; Rogers et al. 1991). Larvae overwinter in stems of sedges..