Dalmannia pacifica
This record describes Dalmannia pacifica (species). Recorded family: Conopidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
In discussing D. pacifica , Bohart (1938) states... This species is characterized by the hind and middle metatarsi of the female, which are greatly elongated, and each bears along more than the half of its inner surface an elongate plate which seems to arise from the apex of the tibia and has flattened black bristles along the margin. In other species the homologous structures are small semicircular plates at the apices of the tibiae. The character in the above quote is nicely illustrated in the full-size version of the post below (see comment there for more details): The figure by Cole here indicates that the comparatively long 1st tarsal segments also occur in the male of D. pacifica . Bohart (1938) also mentions that D. pacifica is further distinguishable in both sexes by the great extent of yellow on the abdomen.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Oregon. Also listed as occurring in California and Utah in Stone et al . From BugGuide post here , also makes it to far s.e. Wyoming. Types for both D. pacifica Banks, and for the synonym D. hirsuta Van Duzee, are from Corvallis, Oregon.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dalmannia pacifica. 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 Dalmannia pacifica (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Dalmannia pacifica
What is Dalmannia pacifica?
Dalmannia pacifica is a species in the family Conopidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Dalmannia pacifica?
In discussing D. pacifica , Bohart (1938) states... This species is characterized by the hind and middle metatarsi of the female, which are greatly elongated, and each bears along more than the half of its inner surface an elongate plate which seems to arise from the apex of the tibia and has flattened black bristles along the margin. In other species the homologous structures are small semicircular plates at the apices of the tibiae. The character in the above quote is nicely illustrated in the full-size version of the post below (see comment there for more details): The figure by Cole here indicates that the comparatively long 1st tarsal segments also occur in the male of D. pacifica . Bohart (1938) also mentions that D. pacifica is further distinguishable in both sexes by the great extent of yellow on the abdomen.
Where is Dalmannia pacifica found?
Range: Oregon. Also listed as occurring in California and Utah in Stone et al . From BugGuide post here , also makes it to far s.e. Wyoming. Types for both D. pacifica Banks, and for the synonym D. hirsuta Van Duzee, are from Corvallis, Oregon.