Hylemya alcathoe
This record describes Hylemya alcathoe (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
H. alcathoe is notable in the genus due to its long pectinate aristal hairs, yellow palpi, normally yellow legs and partly reddish abdomen. The female abdomen may occasionally be wholly gray. In addition, the female may have humeri and scutellum yellow where they are dark in the male. (Griffiths, 2001 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthomyiinae
- Tribe
- Hylemyini
- Genus
- Hylemya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Temperate forests of North America. The eastern and western distributions may be disjunct because there are no records from north of the prairie.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Females deposit larvae on dung. May have several generations per year in suitable climate.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Apparently named for a woman from Greek mythology, Ἀλκαθόη, who was changed into a bat for refusing to properly worship Dionysus. Walker had a habit of naming insects for classical figures without explanation.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hylemya alcathoe. 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 Hylemya alcathoe (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Hylemya alcathoe
What is Hylemya alcathoe?
Hylemya alcathoe is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Hylemya alcathoe?
H. alcathoe is notable in the genus due to its long pectinate aristal hairs, yellow palpi, normally yellow legs and partly reddish abdomen. The female abdomen may occasionally be wholly gray. In addition, the female may have humeri and scutellum yellow where they are dark in the male. (Griffiths, 2001 )
Where is Hylemya alcathoe found?
Range: Temperate forests of North America. The eastern and western distributions may be disjunct because there are no records from north of the prairie.
What is the life cycle of a Hylemya alcathoe?
Females deposit larvae on dung. May have several generations per year in suitable climate.