Conophorus melanoceratus
This record describes Conophorus melanoceratus (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The following characters for C. melanoceratus are gleaned from the keys and descriptions in Priddy and Hall & Evenhuis: Metapleura bare (on area just ventral to squamae and anterior to base of halter); first antennal segment usually less than half the length of the antenna; knob of haltere white; wing not strongly marked (darkened along costal margin, gradually becoming more hyaline beyond); dorsum of abdomen and scutellum not shining; 3 submarginal cells; ocellar tubercle with black hairs; proboscis long (≥ antennae); abdominal dorsum white pilose...with long black hairs along posterior margins of the tergites II to VII.
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
California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: From the Greek roots: melano = black; ceratus = horned. Presumably refers to the black antennae.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Conophorus melanoceratus. 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 melanoceratus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Conophorus melanoceratus
What is Conophorus melanoceratus?
Conophorus melanoceratus is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Conophorus melanoceratus?
The following characters for C. melanoceratus are gleaned from the keys and descriptions in Priddy and Hall & Evenhuis: Metapleura bare (on area just ventral to squamae and anterior to base of halter); first antennal segment usually less than half the length of the antenna; knob of haltere white; wing not strongly marked (darkened along costal margin, gradually becoming more hyaline beyond); dorsum of abdomen and scutellum not shining; 3 submarginal cells; ocellar tubercle with black hairs; proboscis long (≥ antennae); abdominal dorsum white pilose...with long black hairs along posterior margins of the tergites II to VII.
Where is Conophorus melanoceratus found?
Range: California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah