Chrysopilus modestus
This record describes Chrysopilus modestus (species). Recorded family: Rhagionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dark stigma strongly contrasting with clear wing; femora yellow except tip of hind femur; abdomen mostly black but with yellow bands near base; lacking unusual hairs on antennae.
Wikipedia reference for Chrysopilus modestus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysopilus_modestus.
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.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
larvae aquatic (associated with streamside vegetation) or found in moist, organic-rich soil
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysopilus modestus. 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 modestus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysopilus modestus
What is Chrysopilus modestus?
Chrysopilus modestus is a species in the family Rhagionidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chrysopilus modestus?
~8-10 mm
How do you identify Chrysopilus modestus?
Dark stigma strongly contrasting with clear wing; femora yellow except tip of hind femur; abdomen mostly black but with yellow bands near base; lacking unusual hairs on antennae.
What is the life cycle of a Chrysopilus modestus?
larvae aquatic (associated with streamside vegetation) or found in moist, organic-rich soil