Hypocritanus fascipennis
This record describes Hypocritanus fascipennis (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
dark medial band on wing; basal and distal portions of wing clear
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (QC-FL to MB-TX)
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Sep
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae prey on scale insects
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ocyptamus fascipennis (Wiedemann 1830)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hypocritanus fascipennis. 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 Hypocritanus fascipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by v belov , edanko , dvoribird
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypocritanus fascipennis
What is Hypocritanus fascipennis?
Hypocritanus fascipennis is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Hypocritanus fascipennis?
9-13.5 mm
How do you identify Hypocritanus fascipennis?
dark medial band on wing; basal and distal portions of wing clear
Where is Hypocritanus fascipennis found?
Range: e. NA (QC-FL to MB-TX)
What does Hypocritanus fascipennis eat?
The diet of the Hypocritanus fascipennis includes larvae prey on scale insects.
When is Hypocritanus fascipennis active?
Hypocritanus fascipennis: seasonal activity - Jun-Sep.