Chrysopilus davisi
This record describes Chrysopilus davisi (species). Recorded family: Rhagionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Black except for golden thorax. Looks like Chrysopilus thoracicus with the silver bands worn off. Quoting the original description (Johnson, 1911) Chrysopila davisi sp. nov. Female. |
| Head | Head velvety black; antennae black. |
| Thorax | Thorax black, covered with a dense golden yellow tomentum, similar to C. fhoracica pleurae, scutellum and the entire abdomen velvety black. Femora black, tibiae and metatarsi light yellow; the remainder of the tarsi blackish. Halteres black. |
| Wings | Wings smoky black. Length, 15 mm. Two specimens collected by Mr. William T. Davis, Clayton, Georgia, 2,000-3,700 ft. June, 1900. Holotype in the author's collection. This species seems to be intermediate between C. velutina, Lw. and C. fhoracica Fabr., the wings and abdomen are like the former and the thorax like the latter. |
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
Southern Appalachians and nearby areas.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for William T. Davis , who collected the type specimens.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysopilus davisi. 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 davisi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysopilus davisi
What is Chrysopilus davisi?
Chrysopilus davisi is a species in the family Rhagionidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chrysopilus davisi?
15 mm length (Johnson, 1911)
How do you identify Chrysopilus davisi?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Black except for golden thorax. Looks like Chrysopilus thoracicus with the silver bands worn off. Quoting the original description (Johnson, 1911) Chrysopila davisi sp. nov. Female. |
| Head | Head velvety black; antennae black. |
| Thorax | Thorax black, covered with a dense golden yellow tomentum, similar to C. fhoracica pleurae, scutellum and the entire abdomen velvety black. Femora black, tibiae and metatarsi light yellow; the remainder of the tarsi blackish. Halteres black. |
| Wings | Wings smoky black. Length, 15 mm. Two specimens collected by Mr. William T. Davis, Clayton, Georgia, 2,000-3,700 ft. June, 1900. Holotype in the author's collection. This species seems to be intermediate between C. velutina, Lw. and C. fhoracica Fabr., the wings and abdomen are like the former and the thorax like the latter. |
Where is Chrysopilus davisi found?
Range: Southern Appalachians and nearby areas.