Hybomitra difficilis
This record describes Hybomitra difficilis (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Eyes apparently bare; subcallus denuded & shining Drees et al. regard it as common, and a serious pest; Pechuman et al. consider it generally uncommon, but sometimes locally abundant.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (VT-FL to IL-OK)
Seasonal Activity
May-Jul in WV ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hybomitra difficilis (Wiedemann 1828)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hybomitra 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 Hybomitra difficilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hybomitra difficilis
What is Hybomitra difficilis?
Hybomitra difficilis is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Hybomitra difficilis?
~13 mm
How do you identify Hybomitra difficilis?
Eyes apparently bare; subcallus denuded & shining
Where is Hybomitra difficilis found?
Range: e US (VT-FL to IL-OK)
When is Hybomitra difficilis active?
Hybomitra difficilis: seasonal activity - May-Jul in WV ( 3 ).