Dialysis rufithorax
This record describes Dialysis rufithorax (species). Recorded family: Xylophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Red thorax (top and sides), small black spots on top of abdominal segments 2-6 Easily distinguished from other Eastern species as it is the only one without dark bands on the abdomen.
Wikipedia reference for Dialysis rufithorax: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialysis_rufithorax.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Xylophagidae
- Genus
- Dialysis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se. US (NJ-FL to IL-TN) ; record here from Missouri
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dialysis rufithorax (Say 1823)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dialysis rufithorax. 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 Dialysis rufithorax (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov , zdanko
Frequently Asked Questions About Dialysis rufithorax
What is Dialysis rufithorax?
Dialysis rufithorax is a species in the family Xylophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Dialysis rufithorax?
♂ 10.4 mm, ♀ 11.4 mm
How do you identify Dialysis rufithorax?
Red thorax (top and sides), small black spots on top of abdominal segments 2-6 Easily distinguished from other Eastern species as it is the only one without dark bands on the abdomen.
Where is Dialysis rufithorax found?
Range: se. US (NJ-FL to IL-TN) ; record here from Missouri