Hermetia sexmaculata
This record describes Hermetia sexmaculata (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The eyes are bare, the integument of the abdomen is wholly black dorsally in the male with at most a pair of small yellow spots in the female, femora and tibiae are mostly black, and the area including the calypters (squamae) is white/white-haired in both sexes. The first antennal segment of males is shorter relative to the second than in females (James, 1935).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Stratiomyidae (Soldier flies)
- Subfamily
- Hermetiinae
- Genus
- Hermetia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southeastern US to the Neotropics
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hermetia sexmaculata Macquart 1834
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hermetia sexmaculata. 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 Hermetia sexmaculata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Hermetia sexmaculata
What is Hermetia sexmaculata?
Hermetia sexmaculata is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Hermetia sexmaculata?
The eyes are bare, the integument of the abdomen is wholly black dorsally in the male with at most a pair of small yellow spots in the female, femora and tibiae are mostly black, and the area including the calypters (squamae) is white/white-haired in both sexes. The first antennal segment of males is shorter relative to the second than in females (James, 1935).
Where is Hermetia sexmaculata found?
Range: Southeastern US to the Neotropics