Chrysopilus andersoni
This record describes Chrysopilus andersoni (species). Recorded family: Rhagionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Excerpts from Leonard (1931): C. andersoni can be distinguished from foedus by its somewhat larger size, the paler wing markings and the somewhat darker hind femora. It also has a more Eastern distribution. Related to C. foedus Lw., but larger and wing veins more faintly bordered; blackish, the better preserved specimens with mesonotum and abdomen more or less thickly clothed with whitish (male) to a reddish golden (female) tomentum; legs brownish yellow, basal half to two-thirds of femora darker. Male . Length 9 to 10 mm. |
| Head | Head: As in foedus but eyes usually almost contiguous, never separated by a space as wide as one-half width of frontal tubercle. |
| Thorax | Thorax: As in foedus but tomentose hairs somewhat longer and more silvery, never with a yellowish cast. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen: As in foedus. |
| Legs | Legs: As in foedus, except that hind femora also are darkened on basal half or two thirds. |
| Wings | Wings: Veins brownish and most of them faintly bordered with brownish, a little more noticeably so on crossveins; stigma brownish, but not very strongly marked. Female . Length, 12 to 15 mm. Similar to male except as follows: hairs on side of face usually somewhat shorter and with a brownish tinge; front, vertex, and face in some lights satiny brown; veins of wing more distinctly bordered with brown, sometimes almost as distinctly as in foedus. Holotype - Male; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, June 7, 1912 (Pa. Dept. Agr.). Allotype - Female; taken in coitu with above (Pa. Dept. Agr.). |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Rhagionidae (Snipe Flies)
- Genus
- Chrysopilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysopilus andersoni. 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 Chrysopilus andersoni (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysopilus andersoni
What is Chrysopilus andersoni?
Chrysopilus andersoni is a species in the family Rhagionidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chrysopilus andersoni?
9-10 mm (male), 12-15 mm (female)
How do you identify Chrysopilus andersoni?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Excerpts from Leonard (1931): C. andersoni can be distinguished from foedus by its somewhat larger size, the paler wing markings and the somewhat darker hind femora. It also has a more Eastern distribution. Related to C. foedus Lw., but larger and wing veins more faintly bordered; blackish, the better preserved specimens with mesonotum and abdomen more or less thickly clothed with whitish (male) to a reddish golden (female) tomentum; legs brownish yellow, basal half to two-thirds of femora darker. Male . Length 9 to 10 mm. |
| Head | Head: As in foedus but eyes usually almost contiguous, never separated by a space as wide as one-half width of frontal tubercle. |
| Thorax | Thorax: As in foedus but tomentose hairs somewhat longer and more silvery, never with a yellowish cast. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen: As in foedus. |
| Legs | Legs: As in foedus, except that hind femora also are darkened on basal half or two thirds. |
| Wings | Wings: Veins brownish and most of them faintly bordered with brownish, a little more noticeably so on crossveins; stigma brownish, but not very strongly marked. Female . Length, 12 to 15 mm. Similar to male except as follows: hairs on side of face usually somewhat shorter and with a brownish tinge; front, vertex, and face in some lights satiny brown; veins of wing more distinctly bordered with brown, sometimes almost as distinctly as in foedus. Holotype - Male; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, June 7, 1912 (Pa. Dept. Agr.). Allotype - Female; taken in coitu with above (Pa. Dept. Agr.). |