Hemerodromia superstitiosa
This record describes Hemerodromia superstitiosa (species). Recorded family: Empididae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of two species of Hemerodromia with legs yellow except for last two tarsomeres on mid and hind legs. Female has broad dark stripe on thorax. Male may have thin stripes. A similar species from southern Texas and Mexico is distinguishable only by dissecting males.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"Labels on specimens in collections report adults of H. superstitiosa emerging from streams, on floating vegetation, or in swarms above streams. I have aspirated males and females, together with adults of H. empiformis , from the undersides of leaves of small trees overhanging a meter wide, spring-fed stream near Lafayette, Indiana." (MacDonald, 1998)
Geographic Range
Eastern USA and adjacent Canada
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hemerodromia superstitiosa. 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 Hemerodromia superstitiosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Hemerodromia superstitiosa
What is Hemerodromia superstitiosa?
Hemerodromia superstitiosa is a species in the family Empididae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Hemerodromia superstitiosa?
3.5 to 4 mm
How do you identify Hemerodromia superstitiosa?
One of two species of Hemerodromia with legs yellow except for last two tarsomeres on mid and hind legs. Female has broad dark stripe on thorax. Male may have thin stripes. A similar species from southern Texas and Mexico is distinguishable only by dissecting males.
Where is Hemerodromia superstitiosa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Labels on specimens in collections report adults of H. superstitiosa emerging from streams, on floating vegetation, or in swarms above streams. I have aspirated males and females, together with adults of H. empiformis , from the undersides of leaves of small trees overhanging a meter wide, spring-fed stream near Lafayette, Indiana. (MacDonald, 1998) |
| Range | Eastern USA and adjacent Canada |