Dioprosopa clavata
This record describes Dioprosopa clavata (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to Baccha and Ocyptamus , but scutellum with yellow bands (vs. all black); more here ( 6 )
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US to CA to S. America ( 7 ) (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on aphids, esp. oleander aphids ( Aphis nerii )
Life History
Larvae -- Puparium -- Adult female -- Adult male
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dioprosopa clavata (Fabricius 1794)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dioprosopa clavata. 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 Dioprosopa clavata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov , Harsi S. Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Dioprosopa clavata
What is Dioprosopa clavata?
Dioprosopa clavata is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Dioprosopa clavata?
body 6.5-12.4 mm, wing 4.9-8.8 mm ( 7 )
How do you identify Dioprosopa clavata?
Similar to Baccha and Ocyptamus , but scutellum with yellow bands (vs. all black); more here ( 6 )
Where is Dioprosopa clavata found?
Range: e US to CA to S. America ( 7 ) (BG data)
What does Dioprosopa clavata eat?
The diet of the Dioprosopa clavata includes Larvae feed on aphids, esp. oleander aphids ( Aphis nerii ).
What is the life cycle of a Dioprosopa clavata?
Larvae -- Puparium -- Adult female -- Adult male