Elachiptera pechumani
This record describes Elachiptera pechumani (species). Recorded family: Chloropidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Thorax entirely black; scutellum with small tubercles; frontal triangle and ocellar tubercle shining, without pollen; mesonotum shining, without pollen; front:vertex and mesonotum length:width both about 1:1 or less (i.e. not longer than wide); legs mostly yellow with front and hind tibia, and front tarsi darkened; frontal triangle shorter, not reaching antennal base
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Carnoidea
- Family
- Chloropidae (Frit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Oscinellinae
- Tribe
- Incertellini
- Genus
- Elachiptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae of type series found "breeding in large numbers in the base of the flowers of the wild iris, Iris versicolor."
Geographic Range
NY, MI, IL
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Elachiptera pechumani. 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 Elachiptera pechumani
What is Elachiptera pechumani?
Elachiptera pechumani is a species in the family Chloropidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Elachiptera pechumani?
Thorax entirely black; scutellum with small tubercles; frontal triangle and ocellar tubercle shining, without pollen; mesonotum shining, without pollen; front:vertex and mesonotum length:width both about 1:1 or less (i.e. not longer than wide); legs mostly yellow with front and hind tibia, and front tarsi darkened; frontal triangle shorter, not reaching antennal base
Where is Elachiptera pechumani found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae of type series found breeding in large numbers in the base of the flowers of the wild iris, Iris versicolor. |
| Range | NY, MI, IL |