DipteraDolichopodidae – Longlegged Flies

Chrysotus simulans

This record describes Chrysotus simulans (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.

Identification and Appearance

Chrysotus simulans - Chrysotus simulans — Contributed by John F. Carr

Femora pale, fore tarsi of male ornamented, fore tibia with black ring.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera (Flies)
Superfamily: Empidoidea
Family: Dolichopodidae (Longlegged Flies)
Subfamily: Diaphorinae
Genus: Chrysotus

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

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Known from Virginia and Florida

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chrysotus simulans. 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.

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