Conophorus fenestratus
This record describes Conophorus fenestratus (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Closely related to Conophorus collini , but generally larger, and has a non-sulcate scutellum (convex, without median groove or gap). Males have fine teeth on the costal edge of their wings , which are lacking on females.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Bombyliinae
- Tribe
- Conophorini
- Genus
- Conophorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Western U.S.: AZ,CA,ID,NV,OR,UT,WA Mexico: Baja California Norte, and B.C. Sur
Seasonal Activity
Spring; late February to June.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults visit, and have been sampled at, a number of spring wildflowers, such as Cryptantha intermedia , Lasthenia , and Plagiobothrys .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Conophorus fenestratus. 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 Conophorus fenestratus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch , Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Conophorus fenestratus
What is Conophorus fenestratus?
Conophorus fenestratus is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Conophorus fenestratus?
Closely related to Conophorus collini , but generally larger, and has a non-sulcate scutellum (convex, without median groove or gap).
Where is Conophorus fenestratus found?
Range: Western U.S.: AZ,CA,ID,NV,OR,UT,WA Mexico: Baja California Norte, and B.C. Sur
What does Conophorus fenestratus eat?
The diet of the Conophorus fenestratus includes Adults visit, and have been sampled at, a number of spring wildflowers, such as Cryptantha intermedia , Lasthenia , and Plagiobothrys ..
When is Conophorus fenestratus active?
Conophorus fenestratus: seasonal activity - Spring; late February to June..