Curtonotum helvum
This record describes Curtonotum helvum (species). Recorded family: Curtonotidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The last two couplets in Arnett's key to fly families state C with distinct humeral break in addition to subcostal break. Arista broadly plumose; C extensively and strongly spinose; all tibiae with strong preapical dorsal bristle; medium-sized, yellowish flies, with strongly arched scutum. Related to Ephydridae and Drosophilidae
Wikipedia reference for Curtonotum helvum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtonotum_helvum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Ephydroidea
- Family
- Curtonotidae
- Genus
- Curtonotum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Curtonotum helvum (Loew 1862)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Curtonotum helvum. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curtonotum helvum
What is Curtonotum helvum?
Curtonotum helvum is a species in the family Curtonotidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Curtonotum helvum?
7 mm
How do you identify Curtonotum helvum?
The last two couplets in Arnett's key to fly families state C with distinct humeral break in addition to subcostal break. Arista broadly plumose; C extensively and strongly spinose; all tibiae with strong preapical dorsal bristle; medium-sized, yellowish flies, with strongly arched scutum.
Where is Curtonotum helvum found?
Range: Eastern USA