Helophilus intentus
This record describes Helophilus intentus (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black facial stripe. Hind femora are reddish on the apical fifth and hind tibia are yellow on the basal half and reddish on the apical half. Spots on the third abdominal tergite are pointed, helping to distinguish from H. obscurus .
Classification
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Helophilus intentus Curran & Fluke 1926
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Helophilus intentus. 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 Helophilus intentus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kelsey J.R.P. Byers; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Helophilus intentus
What is Helophilus intentus?
Helophilus intentus is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Helophilus intentus?
10-11 mm
How do you identify Helophilus intentus?
Black facial stripe. Hind femora are reddish on the apical fifth and hind tibia are yellow on the basal half and reddish on the apical half. Spots on the third abdominal tergite are pointed, helping to distinguish from H. obscurus .