Dolichopus pantomimus
This record describes Dolichopus pantomimus (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Antennae | Antennae black, third segment long. Hind legs black from tip of tibia. Mid legs black from tip of first segment of tarsi. Fore legs darkened near tips, but without sharply defined black region and without ornaments. Hind femora with long, yellow hairs below. |
| Wings | Wings slightly darkened. |
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
Northeast, south to North Carolina and Tennessee
Seasonal Activity
Records from May (in south) through July (in Ontario)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dolichopus pantomimus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dolichopus pantomimus
What is Dolichopus pantomimus?
Dolichopus pantomimus is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Dolichopus pantomimus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Antennae | Antennae black, third segment long. Hind legs black from tip of tibia. Mid legs black from tip of first segment of tarsi. Fore legs darkened near tips, but without sharply defined black region and without ornaments. Hind femora with long, yellow hairs below. |
| Wings | Wings slightly darkened. |
Where is Dolichopus pantomimus found?
Range: Northeast, south to North Carolina and Tennessee
When is Dolichopus pantomimus active?
Dolichopus pantomimus: seasonal activity - Records from May (in south) through July (in Ontario).