Hybomitra lasiophthalma
This record describes Hybomitra lasiophthalma (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Female: subcallus denuded, shining; face below eyes not denuded or shining; wing crossveins spotted with brown; abdomen broadly orange brown laterally with median black area constricted on third segment.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae in moist or wet sod, sphagnum bogs, and marshes
Geographic Range
BC-QC south to TX-GA
Seasonal Activity
mid-Apr to mid-Jul in IL
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Eggs laid on plants over moist ground. Egg mass is small and shining black, tar-like in appearance.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hybomitra lasiophthalma (Macquart 1838)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hybomitra lasiophthalma. 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 lasiophthalma (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hybomitra lasiophthalma
What is Hybomitra lasiophthalma?
Hybomitra lasiophthalma is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Hybomitra lasiophthalma?
12-16 mm
How do you identify Hybomitra lasiophthalma?
Female: subcallus denuded, shining; face below eyes not denuded or shining; wing crossveins spotted with brown; abdomen broadly orange brown laterally with median black area constricted on third segment.
Where is Hybomitra lasiophthalma found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae in moist or wet sod, sphagnum bogs, and marshes |
| Range | BC-QC south to TX-GA |
When is Hybomitra lasiophthalma active?
Hybomitra lasiophthalma: seasonal activity - mid-Apr to mid-Jul in IL.
What is the life cycle of a Hybomitra lasiophthalma?
Eggs laid on plants over moist ground. Egg mass is small and shining black, tar-like in appearance.