Exoprosopa doris
This record describes Exoprosopa doris (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Elmer & Johnson state (at bottom of pg. 70 ) that males have both the 6th & 7th tergites with white tomentum; while females have tomentum of 6th tergite tan and 7th tergite white. A detailed description of E. doris appears on the first page of Elmer & Johnson (1958).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthracinae
- Tribe
- Exoprosopini
- Genus
- Exoprosopa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ, CA, ID, NV, NM, OR, TX, WA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: "very common on Eriogonum fasciculatum (CA Buckwheat)" -- Andy Calderwood
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Exoprosopa doris. 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 Exoprosopa doris (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch , Aaron Schusteff , Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Exoprosopa doris
What is Exoprosopa doris?
Exoprosopa doris is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Exoprosopa doris?
Elmer & Johnson state (at bottom of pg. 70 ) that males have both the 6th & 7th tergites with white tomentum; while females have tomentum of 6th tergite tan and 7th tergite white.
Where is Exoprosopa doris found?
Range: AZ, CA, ID, NV, NM, OR, TX, WA
What does Exoprosopa doris eat?
The diet of the Exoprosopa doris includes very common on Eriogonum fasciculatum (CA Buckwheat) -- Andy Calderwood.