DipteraTabanidae – Horse and Deer Flies

Chrysops cincticornis

This record describes Chrysops cincticornis (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.

Identification and Appearance

Chrysops cincticornis - Chrysops cincticornis
Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Arturo Santos

Black species with bright orange hair on sides of thorax. With known pathogenic transmission of California encephalitis virus. This disease does affect humans.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera (Flies)
Family
Tabanidae (Horse and Deer Flies)
Subfamily
Chrysopsinae
Tribe
Chrysopsini
Genus
Chrysops

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

e US & adjacent Canada

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Chrysops cincticornis Walker 1848

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysops cincticornis. 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.

Explore Diptera families and species →

Photos of Chrysops cincticornis (5)

Chrysops cincticornis - photo 1
Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Arturo Santos
Chrysops cincticornis - photo 2
Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Arturo Santos
Chrysops cincticornis - photo 3
Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Arturo Santos
Chrysops cincticornis - photo 4
Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Arturo Santos
Chrysops cincticornis - photo 5
Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Arturo Santos

Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Arturo Santos

Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysops cincticornis

What is Chrysops cincticornis?

Chrysops cincticornis is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.

How do you identify Chrysops cincticornis?

Black species with bright orange hair on sides of thorax.

Where is Chrysops cincticornis found?

Range: e US & adjacent Canada

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov , Arturo Santos. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.