Fannia sociella
This record describes Fannia sociella (species). Recorded family: Fanniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is easily recognized from all related forms by the three strong, median, anteroventral mid-femoral bristles, and the dark, blue-grey-pollinose abdomen. The adults have been found associated with aphid-infested plants.
Wikipedia reference for Fannia sociella: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fannia_sociella.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Canada below tree line, south to New Mexico and Georgia in mountains; also in Europe
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Fannia sociella. 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 sociella (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Fannia sociella
What is Fannia sociella?
Fannia sociella is a species in the family Fanniidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Fannia sociella?
5 mm
How do you identify Fannia sociella?
This species is easily recognized from all related forms by the three strong, median, anteroventral mid-femoral bristles, and the dark, blue-grey-pollinose abdomen.
Where is Fannia sociella found?
Range: Canada below tree line, south to New Mexico and Georgia in mountains; also in Europe