Delia pluvialis
This record describes Delia pluvialis (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male with lower corner of third tergite greatly enlarged (visibly so in lateral view), fifth sternite with very long hairs.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthomyiinae
- Tribe
- Hylemyini
- Genus
- Delia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Not well known; collected from bogs and fields.
Geographic Range
Canada and northern USA, more common east of Rocky Mountains
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pluvialis means rainy. The type specimen of the species is from Rainy River District, Ontario.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Delia pluvialis. 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 Delia pluvialis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Delia pluvialis
What is Delia pluvialis?
Delia pluvialis is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Delia pluvialis?
Male with lower corner of third tergite greatly enlarged (visibly so in lateral view), fifth sternite with very long hairs.
Where is Delia pluvialis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Not well known; collected from bogs and fields. |
| Range | Canada and northern USA, more common east of Rocky Mountains |