Leucostoma aterrimum
This record describes Leucostoma aterrimum (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Female has unusually long abdomen for genus (segments longer than wide).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Phasiinae
- Tribe
- Leucostomatini
- Genus
- Leucostoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holarctic south to Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Leucostomatini are parasitoids of Hemiptera. L. aterrimum has been recorded from Liorhyssus hyalinus (Rhopalidae).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "Very black." The species is blacker than Musca ater (= Eristalinus sepulchralis ).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Leucostoma aterrimum. 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 Leucostoma aterrimum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Leucostoma aterrimum
What is Leucostoma aterrimum?
Leucostoma aterrimum is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Leucostoma aterrimum?
Female has unusually long abdomen for genus (segments longer than wide).
Where is Leucostoma aterrimum found?
Range: Holarctic south to Mexico
What does Leucostoma aterrimum eat?
The diet of the Leucostoma aterrimum includes Leucostomatini are parasitoids of Hemiptera. L. aterrimum has been recorded from Liorhyssus hyalinus (Rhopalidae)..