Lispocephala erythrocera
This record describes Lispocephala erythrocera (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
In Central Europe the keys diagnose it as (in Gregor et al., 2016): mid and hind femora predominantly black, postpedicel reddish yellow at base, crossveins not infuscated, mid tibiae without a submedian anterodorsal bristle, all tibiae yellow, abdomen entirely black.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holarctic south to California and Florida: "France; Alaska to Labr., s. to Calif, and Fla., Europe, U.S.S.R. (Kamchatka)" Records in include AK, BC, LB, MB, NF, NT, ON, QC, YT
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lispocephala erythrocera. 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 Lispocephala erythrocera (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Lispocephala erythrocera
What is Lispocephala erythrocera?
Lispocephala erythrocera is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Lispocephala erythrocera?
In Central Europe the keys diagnose it as (in Gregor et al., 2016): mid and hind femora predominantly black, postpedicel reddish yellow at base, crossveins not infuscated, mid tibiae without a submedian anterodorsal bristle, all tibiae yellow, abdomen entirely black.
Where is Lispocephala erythrocera found?
Range: Holarctic south to California and Florida: France; Alaska to Labr., s. to Calif, and Fla., Europe, U.S.S.R. (Kamchatka) Records in include AK, BC, LB, MB, NF, NT, ON, QC, YT