Chrysops vittatus
This record describes Chrysops vittatus (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Yellow abdomen with 4 brownish stripes; a nearly fully infuscated cell Br, yellow scutellum, yellow frontal callus, and an infuscated cell CuA1 can be diagnostic. All these except for the abdominal pattern are also shared by C. floridanus . Especially abundant and bothersome in the New Brunswick forests. Often a pest species wherever found. A very similar species found along the coast from Virginia to Florida was once considered a subspecies but is now considered a full species, i.e., Chrysops floridanus With known pathogenic transmission of Vesicular stomatitis virus, a pathogen of animals that can also infect humans.
Wikipedia reference for Chrysops vittatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysops_vittatus.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae in all wet habitats; adults can be anywhere.
Geographic Range
Nova Scotia to North Dakota, south to northern Florida and Texas
Seasonal Activity
Adults early June to late October, depending on latitude
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysops vittatus Wiedemann 1821
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysops vittatus. 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 vittatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysops vittatus
What is Chrysops vittatus?
Chrysops vittatus is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Chrysops vittatus?
Yellow abdomen with 4 brownish stripes; a nearly fully infuscated cell Br, yellow scutellum, yellow frontal callus, and an infuscated cell CuA1 can be diagnostic. All these except for the abdominal pattern are also shared by C. floridanus .
Where is Chrysops vittatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae in all wet habitats; adults can be anywhere. |
| Range | Nova Scotia to North Dakota, south to northern Florida and Texas |
When is Chrysops vittatus active?
Chrysops vittatus: seasonal activity - Adults early June to late October, depending on latitude.