Lordotus pulchrissimus
This record describes Lordotus pulchrissimus (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Outwardly very similar to the closely related L. zona , i.e. in vestiture and antennal proportions. However, both sexes of pulchrissimus have black coxae (Hall, 1954; Hall & Evenhuis, 1982); coxae in zona are yellow. Genitalia also differ (for details see Hall & Evenhuis, 1982) An interesting study by Catherine Toft (1989; see reference below) found that the color in females faded in intensity with age. This page is based on reexamination of the male seen in this photo:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Bombyliinae
- Tribe
- Conophorini
- Genus
- Lordotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widely distributed over western North America. Mexico: Baja California Sur, Sonora USA: AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY
Seasonal Activity
According to Cole this species is fairly common, March to October, from desert floor to mountain canyon in California. In late summer to fall adults have been taken on Chrysothamnus spp. (now in Ericameria ), Bebbia (blooms throughout much of the year - HW), and Aster spp.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lordotus pulchrissimus. 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 Lordotus pulchrissimus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Lordotus pulchrissimus
What is Lordotus pulchrissimus?
Lordotus pulchrissimus is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Lordotus pulchrissimus?
Outwardly very similar to the closely related L. zona , i.e. in vestiture and antennal proportions. However, both sexes of pulchrissimus have black coxae (Hall, 1954; Hall & Evenhuis, 1982); coxae in zona are yellow. Genitalia also differ (for details see Hall & Evenhuis, 1982) An interesting study by Catherine Toft (1989; see reference below) found that the color in females faded in intensity with age.
Where is Lordotus pulchrissimus found?
Range: Widely distributed over western North America. Mexico: Baja California Sur, Sonora USA: AZ, CA, CO, ID, KS, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY
When is Lordotus pulchrissimus active?
Lordotus pulchrissimus: seasonal activity - According to Cole this species is fairly common, March to October, from desert floor to mountain canyon in California. In late summer to fall adults have been taken on Chrysothamnus spp. (now in Ericameria ), Bebbia (blooms throughout much of the year - HW), and Aster spp..