Chrysops carbonarius
This record describes Chrysops carbonarius (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Female: A black deer fly. Abdomen black but perhaps with an indefinite pattern of grayish pruinose areas. Area of wing beyond the crossband hyaline. Crossband relatively straight and reaching hind margin of wing. Wing cell cua1 with distinct hyaline spot at its base. Face (clypeus) below antennae with yellow median pollinose stripe on a black background. No other species of black deer fly has this combination of characters. useful key
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae in the sand and gravel banks of swiftly flowing streams. Females may wander widely in search of a blood meal.
Geographic Range
Minnesota to Nova Scotia, south to Louisiana and northern Florida
Seasonal Activity
Flight season: May to July; earlier in south than in north
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysops carbonarius Walker 1848
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysops carbonarius. 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 Chrysops carbonarius (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by v belov , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysops carbonarius
What is Chrysops carbonarius?
Chrysops carbonarius is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chrysops carbonarius?
7-10 mm
How do you identify Chrysops carbonarius?
Female: A black deer fly. Abdomen black but perhaps with an indefinite pattern of grayish pruinose areas. Area of wing beyond the crossband hyaline. Crossband relatively straight and reaching hind margin of wing. Wing cell cua1 with distinct hyaline spot at its base. Face (clypeus) below antennae with yellow median pollinose stripe on a black background. No other species of black deer fly has this combination of characters. useful key
Where is Chrysops carbonarius found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae in the sand and gravel banks of swiftly flowing streams. Females may wander widely in search of a blood meal. |
| Range | Minnesota to Nova Scotia, south to Louisiana and northern Florida |
When is Chrysops carbonarius active?
Chrysops carbonarius: seasonal activity - Flight season: May to July; earlier in south than in north.