Chrysopilus basilaris
This record describes Chrysopilus basilaris (species). Recorded family: Rhagionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Unique among North American Chrysopilus in having a small patch at the base of the wing black and the rest clear. Tail-between-legs posture is also a good pointer to this species.
Wikipedia reference for Chrysopilus basilaris: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysopilus_basilaris.
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.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. N. Amer.
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Nov (BG data)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysopilus basilaris. 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 basilaris (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , Bugologist1
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysopilus basilaris
What is Chrysopilus basilaris?
Chrysopilus basilaris is a species in the family Rhagionidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Chrysopilus basilaris?
Unique among North American Chrysopilus in having a small patch at the base of the wing black and the rest clear. Tail-between-legs posture is also a good pointer to this species.
Where is Chrysopilus basilaris found?
Range: e. N. Amer.
When is Chrysopilus basilaris active?
Chrysopilus basilaris: seasonal activity - Mar-Nov (BG data).