Euxesta pechumani
This record describes Euxesta pechumani (species). Recorded family: Ulidiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wing pattern similar to notata , with the basal crossband longer (reaching or crossing R4+5). Abdomen entirely dark (vs. yellow tipped in female notata ).
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA, west to Arizona. Introduced to southern Europe in early 20th Century and now widespread from Azores to Turkmenistan.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for entomologist L. L. Pechuman, who collected the type series.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Euxesta 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.
Photos of Euxesta pechumani (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Euxesta pechumani
What is Euxesta pechumani?
Euxesta pechumani is a species in the family Ulidiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Euxesta pechumani?
Wing pattern similar to notata , with the basal crossband longer (reaching or crossing R4+5). Abdomen entirely dark (vs. yellow tipped in female notata ).
Where is Euxesta pechumani found?
Range: Eastern USA, west to Arizona. Introduced to southern Europe in early 20th Century and now widespread from Azores to Turkmenistan.