Eristalis dimidiata
This record describes Eristalis dimidiata (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wings | Wings clear (or slightly darkened), antennae, thorax, facial stripes and cheeks black. |
| Thorax | Thorax has dense, short, whitish hairs. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen dark with whitish abdominal rings and often with an incomplete yellow band on tergum 2 and/or 3. Basal half of tibiae pale whitish, typically sharply demarcated |
Wikipedia reference for Eristalis dimidiata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eristalis_dimidiata.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NS-NC to AB-KS ( 3 )
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eristalis dimidiata ( Wiedemann 1830)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eristalis dimidiata. 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 Eristalis dimidiata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Ben Coulter , Ted Kropiewnicki , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Eristalis dimidiata
What is Eristalis dimidiata?
Eristalis dimidiata is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Eristalis dimidiata?
10-14 mm
How do you identify Eristalis dimidiata?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wings | Wings clear (or slightly darkened), antennae, thorax, facial stripes and cheeks black. |
| Thorax | Thorax has dense, short, whitish hairs. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen dark with whitish abdominal rings and often with an incomplete yellow band on tergum 2 and/or 3. Basal half of tibiae pale whitish, typically sharply demarcated |
Where is Eristalis dimidiata found?
Range: NS-NC to AB-KS ( 3 )
When is Eristalis dimidiata active?
Eristalis dimidiata: seasonal activity - Apr-Oct.