Condylostylus tonsus
This record describes Condylostylus tonsus (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wings similar to caudatus group (unmarked and with rounded M1), face bare, tarsi unornamented, fore basitarsus less than three times as long as second segment, femora and tibiae yellow except tip of hind femur may be darkened. Most similar to C. flavipes in the caudatus group, differing in that the face is bare and the hind tarsus is not swollen.
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
Mexico and Southeast USA
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Condylostylus tonsus. 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 tonsus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by zdanko
Frequently Asked Questions About Condylostylus tonsus
What is Condylostylus tonsus?
Condylostylus tonsus is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Condylostylus tonsus?
4 mm
How do you identify Condylostylus tonsus?
Wings similar to caudatus group (unmarked and with rounded M1), face bare, tarsi unornamented, fore basitarsus less than three times as long as second segment, femora and tibiae yellow except tip of hind femur may be darkened. Most similar to C. flavipes in the caudatus group, differing in that the face is bare and the hind tarsus is not swollen.
Where is Condylostylus tonsus found?
Range: Mexico and Southeast USA