Eutrichota affinis
This record describes Eutrichota affinis (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
In the Northeast, distinguished from related species by the scutellum with yellow tip continuing as a yellow stripe underneath , neither entirely black nor entirely yellow below. Scutellum dorsally may be yellow at the tip, abdomen finely dusted over largely yellowish to orange-brown, or densely dusted over all black. Wings with crossveins clouded. Arista with only very short pubescence, gena in height about 0.25-0.3 times eye height in the male, 0.35 times eye height in female, 3-4 pairs of acrostichals in approximated rows.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Pegomyinae
- Genus
- Eutrichota
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae in groundhog (marmot) burrows, and probably in other mammal burrows.
Geographic Range
Widespead in North America
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eutrichota affinis. 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 Eutrichota affinis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Eutrichota affinis
What is Eutrichota affinis?
Eutrichota affinis is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Eutrichota affinis?
In the Northeast, distinguished from related species by the scutellum with yellow tip continuing as a yellow stripe underneath , neither entirely black nor entirely yellow below. Scutellum dorsally may be yellow at the tip, abdomen finely dusted over largely yellowish to orange-brown, or densely dusted over all black. Wings with crossveins clouded. Arista with only very short pubescence, gena in height about 0.25-0.3 times eye height in the male, 0.35 times eye height in female, 3-4 pairs of acrostichals in approximated rows.
Where is Eutrichota affinis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae in groundhog (marmot) burrows, and probably in other mammal burrows. |
| Range | Widespead in North America |