Fannia difficilis
This record describes Fannia difficilis (species). Recorded family: Fanniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Hairs on the propleuron, relatively long and fine posteroventral hairs on the hind femur, abdomen basally orange and apically dark brown/black, legs usually completely black, no stripes on the thorax.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holarctic, Northernly distributed in North America, reaching as far south as Colorado.
Seasonal Activity
May through October
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Has been reared from mushrooms.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Fannia difficilis. 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 Fannia difficilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bennett Grappone
Frequently Asked Questions About Fannia difficilis
What is Fannia difficilis?
Fannia difficilis is a species in the family Fanniidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Fannia difficilis?
5.0-7.0 mm
How do you identify Fannia difficilis?
Hairs on the propleuron, relatively long and fine posteroventral hairs on the hind femur, abdomen basally orange and apically dark brown/black, legs usually completely black, no stripes on the thorax.
Where is Fannia difficilis found?
Range: Holarctic, Northernly distributed in North America, reaching as far south as Colorado.
What does Fannia difficilis eat?
The diet of the Fannia difficilis includes Has been reared from mushrooms..
When is Fannia difficilis active?
Fannia difficilis: seasonal activity - May through October.