Lispe sociabilis
This record describes Lispe sociabilis (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male distinguished from other members of the tentaculata group by lack of long spine at the end of the fore basitarsus. Female distinguished by dark legs, details of bristles on hind legs, and range.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
East of Great Plains
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lispe sociabilis. 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 Lispe sociabilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Lispe sociabilis
What is Lispe sociabilis?
Lispe sociabilis is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Lispe sociabilis?
Male distinguished from other members of the tentaculata group by lack of long spine at the end of the fore basitarsus. Female distinguished by dark legs, details of bristles on hind legs, and range.
Where is Lispe sociabilis found?
Range: East of Great Plains