Cholomyia inaequipes
This record describes Cholomyia inaequipes (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Quoting and/or paraphrasing from key : Body is sexually dimorphic as well--male has tapered yellowish abodmen: Female has more typical abdomen:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tachininae
- Tribe
- Myiophasiini
- Genus
- Cholomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern and Southwestern USA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females seen on flowers, perhaps (?) taking nectar (guide images).
Life History
Parasitoid of weevils ( Conotrachelus ). Males, at least, come to lights (guide images).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cholomyia inaequipes. 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 Cholomyia inaequipes (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cotinis , Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Cholomyia inaequipes
What is Cholomyia inaequipes?
Cholomyia inaequipes is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Cholomyia inaequipes?
7-8 mm (estimate from guide images)
How do you identify Cholomyia inaequipes?
Quoting and/or paraphrasing from key : Body is sexually dimorphic as well--male has tapered yellowish abodmen: Female has more typical abdomen:
Where is Cholomyia inaequipes found?
Range: Eastern and Southwestern USA
What does Cholomyia inaequipes eat?
The diet of the Cholomyia inaequipes includes Females seen on flowers, perhaps (?) taking nectar (guide images)..
What is the life cycle of a Cholomyia inaequipes?
Parasitoid of weevils ( Conotrachelus ). Males, at least, come to lights (guide images).