Crocinosoma cornuale
This record describes Crocinosoma cornuale (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A yellow species (including most of antenna) except much of the thorax is gray. Differs from Leskia by its larger antennae with curved top edge and base near top of head and more concave face. Vein R1 is bare as is R4+5 except for a few bristles at base. Presumably a parasitoid of Lepidoptera like most Leskiini, but there are no host records.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tachininae
- Tribe
- Leskiini
- Genus
- Crocinosoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southeast USA and Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Probably named after the large antennae (Latin cornus).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Crocinosoma cornuale. 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 Crocinosoma cornuale (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Crocinosoma cornuale
What is Crocinosoma cornuale?
Crocinosoma cornuale is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Crocinosoma cornuale?
A yellow species (including most of antenna) except much of the thorax is gray. Differs from Leskia by its larger antennae with curved top edge and base near top of head and more concave face. Vein R1 is bare as is R4+5 except for a few bristles at base.
Where is Crocinosoma cornuale found?
Range: Southeast USA and Mexico