Dipalta serpentina
This record describes Dipalta serpentina (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
wing venation distinctive: R2+3 contorted into an S-shape and connected by a cross-vein to R4 ―see diagram
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthracinae
- Tribe
- Villini
- Genus
- Dipalta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
across the US (WA―CA to ME―FL) to Honduras
Seasonal Activity
in CA, most abundant in Aug―Sep ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae parasitize pupae and perhaps larvae of antlions (Myrmeleontidae) ―see Leech & Leech (1989)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dipalta serpentina Osten Sacken 1877
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dipalta serpentina. 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 Dipalta serpentina (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dipalta serpentina
What is Dipalta serpentina?
Dipalta serpentina is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Dipalta serpentina?
wing venation distinctive: R2+3 contorted into an S-shape and connected by a cross-vein to R4 ―see diagram
Where is Dipalta serpentina found?
Range: across the US (WA―CA to ME―FL) to Honduras
What does Dipalta serpentina eat?
The diet of the Dipalta serpentina includes Larvae parasitize pupae and perhaps larvae of antlions (Myrmeleontidae) ―see Leech & Leech (1989).
When is Dipalta serpentina active?
Dipalta serpentina: seasonal activity - in CA, most abundant in Aug―Sep ( 3 ).