Cordilura intermedia
This record describes Cordilura intermedia (species). Recorded family: Scathophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Face strongly recessed, dorsal scutellar bristles much stronger than apical scutellar bristles, apical scutellars about 2/3 as long as dorsal scutellars. Fore femur and basal half of middle and hind femora black, rest of the legs yellow. No other species of Cordilura has this combination of features.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Scathophagidae (Dung Flies)
- Subfamily
- Scathophaginae
- Genus
- Cordilura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in the Southwest at "moderately high elevations."
Geographic Range
Widely distributed across Western North America, with specimens known from Manitoba, Alberta, Idaho, Utah, California, and Nevada.
Seasonal Activity
Late May to Late July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae are probably leaf miners.
Life History
Unknown.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cordilura intermedia. 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 Cordilura intermedia (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bennett Grappone
Frequently Asked Questions About Cordilura intermedia
What is Cordilura intermedia?
Cordilura intermedia is a species in the family Scathophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Cordilura intermedia?
6 mm
How do you identify Cordilura intermedia?
Face strongly recessed, dorsal scutellar bristles much stronger than apical scutellar bristles, apical scutellars about 2/3 as long as dorsal scutellars. Fore femur and basal half of middle and hind femora black, rest of the legs yellow. No other species of Cordilura has this combination of features.
Where is Cordilura intermedia found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found in the Southwest at moderately high elevations. |
| Range | Widely distributed across Western North America, with specimens known from Manitoba, Alberta, Idaho, Utah, California, and Nevada. |
What does Cordilura intermedia eat?
The diet of the Cordilura intermedia includes Larvae are probably leaf miners..
When is Cordilura intermedia active?
Cordilura intermedia: seasonal activity - Late May to Late July.
What is the life cycle of a Cordilura intermedia?
Unknown.