Condylostylus flavipes
This record describes Condylostylus flavipes (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Legs mostly yellow and without bristles, mid basitarsus lacking bristles unlike other members of the group, distal segment of hind tarsus enlarged, distal segment of fore and mid tarsi black, abdomen lacking long hairs at the tip. Very similar to C. banksii , different mainly in the black vs. white fore and mid final tarsal segment. Also very similar to C. tonsus , which lacks hair on the face and has a normal hind tarsus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Dolichopodidae (Longlegged Flies)
- Subfamily
- Sciapodinae
- Genus
- Condylostylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern United States and southern Canada
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Flavipes means yellow feet. Most male Condylostylus , especially those related to caudatus , have black femora.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Condylostylus flavipes. 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 Condylostylus flavipes (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by zdanko
Frequently Asked Questions About Condylostylus flavipes
What is Condylostylus flavipes?
Condylostylus flavipes is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Condylostylus flavipes?
Legs mostly yellow and without bristles, mid basitarsus lacking bristles unlike other members of the group, distal segment of hind tarsus enlarged, distal segment of fore and mid tarsi black, abdomen lacking long hairs at the tip.
Where is Condylostylus flavipes found?
Range: Eastern United States and southern Canada