Lordotus zona
This record describes Lordotus zona (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to the closely related L. pulchrissimus , but coxae in both sexes are yellow, as opposed to black in pulchrissimus . Genitalia also differ (see details in Hall & Evenhuis, 1982) Sexually dimorphous, with males' vestiture being generally white (some male specimens may be colored similar to females), and females generally orange to yellow. This page is based on two identified specimens:
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
AZ, CA, ID, NV
Seasonal Activity
According to Cole this is an autumn species, at least around the San Bernardino Mountains of southern California.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lordotus zona. 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 zona (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Lordotus zona
What is Lordotus zona?
Lordotus zona is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Lordotus zona?
Very similar to the closely related L. pulchrissimus , but coxae in both sexes are yellow, as opposed to black in pulchrissimus . Genitalia also differ (see details in Hall & Evenhuis, 1982) Sexually dimorphous, with males' vestiture being generally white (some male specimens may be colored similar to females), and females generally orange to yellow.
Where is Lordotus zona found?
Range: AZ, CA, ID, NV
When is Lordotus zona active?
Lordotus zona: seasonal activity - According to Cole this is an autumn species, at least around the San Bernardino Mountains of southern California..