Dolichopus footei
This record describes Dolichopus footei (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The wholly black coloration of body and legs together with the black hypopygial lamellae and small jet-black spot at apex of wing will readily distinguish this species from all of the known members of the genus Dolichopus . (Harmston, 1966)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Dolichopodidae (Longlegged Flies)
- Subfamily
- Dolichopodinae
- Genus
- Dolichopus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known from Idaho and eastern Canada.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for Benjamin Foote, who collected the type specimens.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dolichopus footei. 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 Dolichopus footei (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Dolichopus footei
What is Dolichopus footei?
Dolichopus footei is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Dolichopus footei?
The wholly black coloration of body and legs together with the black hypopygial lamellae and small jet-black spot at apex of wing will readily distinguish this species from all of the known members of the genus Dolichopus . (Harmston, 1966)
Where is Dolichopus footei found?
Range: Known from Idaho and eastern Canada.