Cordyligaster septentrionalis
This record describes Cordyligaster septentrionalis (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Apparently, fairly distinctive, as the only member of its genus. Note the elongated abdomen and the bold silver stripes.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Dexiinae
- Tribe
- Sophiini
- Genus
- Cordyligaster
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se. US (PA-KS south to FL-LA) ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
May-Aug in NC
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Latin septentrionalis 'northern' . The Latin word refers to the seven stars of the constellation Ursa major , the Big Dipper. Wikipedia quotes the Oxford English Dictionary: "L. septentrio , sing. of septentriones , orig. septem triones , the seven stars of the constellation of the Great Bear, f. septem seven + triones , pl. of trio plough-ox. Cf. F. septentrion ."
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cordyligaster septentrionalis. 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 Cordyligaster septentrionalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cordyligaster septentrionalis
What is Cordyligaster septentrionalis?
Cordyligaster septentrionalis is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Cordyligaster septentrionalis?
Apparently, fairly distinctive, as the only member of its genus. Note the elongated abdomen and the bold silver stripes.
Where is Cordyligaster septentrionalis found?
Range: se. US (PA-KS south to FL-LA) ( 3 )
When is Cordyligaster septentrionalis active?
Cordyligaster septentrionalis: seasonal activity - May-Aug in NC.