Criorhina villosa
This record describes Criorhina villosa (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very poorly known. If you see this fly keep EXACT locality information so we know where to look in the future. 95% of records are around 100 years old.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Theorized to be red and silver maple swamps. Larvae unknown but would live in rot holes at the base of trees.
Geographic Range
e. US (PA-OH-GA)
Seasonal Activity
Prossibly a winter flyer. December through March. Only known from March records currently.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Probably visits sap runs.
Life History
Unknown
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Criorhina villosa. 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 Criorhina villosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov , Kevin Moran
Frequently Asked Questions About Criorhina villosa
What is Criorhina villosa?
Criorhina villosa is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Criorhina villosa?
10-14 mm
Where is Criorhina villosa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Theorized to be red and silver maple swamps. Larvae unknown but would live in rot holes at the base of trees. |
| Range | e. US (PA-OH-GA) |
What does Criorhina villosa eat?
The diet of the Criorhina villosa includes Probably visits sap runs..
When is Criorhina villosa active?
Criorhina villosa: seasonal activity - Prossibly a winter flyer. December through March. Only known from March records currently..
What is the life cycle of a Criorhina villosa?
Unknown