Chrysopilus quadratus
This record describes Chrysopilus quadratus (species). Recorded family: Rhagionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: thorax and abdomen variably black to brown to orangish; wings clear except for large square or rectangular dark patch midway along costa, and small round dark spot near base; eyes dark gray to reddish, very large, occupying almost the entire head; male abdomen slender, tapering to blunt tip; female abdomen wider, less tapered described by Thomas Say in 1823 the only species of Chrysopilus recorded in two southern Ontario surveys at Algonquin Provincial Park and the Bruce Peninsula this species is pictured and identified in Stephen Marshall's book on Insects
Wikipedia reference for Chrysopilus quadratus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysopilus_quadratus.
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
all of United States and southern Canada: Newfoundland to Florida, west to California, north to British Columbia
Seasonal Activity
Spring, summer. May-June (lower elevations in North Carolina), June-September (North Carolina mountains).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysopilus quadratus (Say, 1823) quadratus : from the Latin "quadrus" (a square); refers to the square or rectangular dark patch on the wing
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysopilus quadratus. 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 quadratus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by cotinis , john and jane balaban , Bugologist1
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysopilus quadratus
What is Chrysopilus quadratus?
Chrysopilus quadratus is a species in the family Rhagionidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chrysopilus quadratus?
body length 5-8 mm
How do you identify Chrysopilus quadratus?
Adult: thorax and abdomen variably black to brown to orangish; wings clear except for large square or rectangular dark patch midway along costa, and small round dark spot near base; eyes dark gray to reddish, very large, occupying almost the entire head; male abdomen slender, tapering to blunt tip; female abdomen wider, less tapered
Where is Chrysopilus quadratus found?
Range: all of United States and southern Canada: Newfoundland to Florida, west to California, north to British Columbia
When is Chrysopilus quadratus active?
Chrysopilus quadratus: seasonal activity - Spring, summer. May-June (lower elevations in North Carolina), June-September (North Carolina mountains)..