Cuterebra latifrons
This record describes Cuterebra latifrons (species). Recorded family: Oestridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Well studied by Catts in the 1960s. The face spots on this species can be highly variable so that makes this species a bit harder than some, but the side white section without a prominent black spot leads me to C. latifrons , as well that this species is in CA and OR, and likes to hilltop to find mates. You may see more males of these if you return to the same spot between 9 am and noon.
Wikipedia reference for Cuterebra latifrons: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuterebra_latifrons.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
OR‒CA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Neotoma fuscipes
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cuterebra latifrons Coquillett 1898
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cuterebra latifrons. 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 Cuterebra latifrons (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuterebra latifrons
What is Cuterebra latifrons?
Cuterebra latifrons is a species in the family Oestridae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Cuterebra latifrons found?
Range: OR‒CA
What does Cuterebra latifrons eat?
The diet of the Cuterebra latifrons includes host: Neotoma fuscipes.