Purple Bromeliad Fly
Copestylum violaceum
This record describes Copestylum violaceum (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Alula at least without microtrichae on the apical 1/3. Original description .
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (CA-TX) to C. America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Copestylum violaceum Say, 1829
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Copestylum violaceum. 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 Purple Bromeliad Fly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , v belov , Arturo Santos , zdanko
Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Bromeliad Fly
What is Purple Bromeliad Fly?
Purple Bromeliad Fly (Copestylum violaceum) is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Purple Bromeliad Fly?
Alula at least without microtrichae on the apical 1/3.
Where is Purple Bromeliad Fly found?
Range: sw US (CA-TX) to C. America