Lucilia eximia
This record describes Lucilia eximia (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Two postsutural acrostichals, male frons very narrow (broader in cluvia ), basicosta brown (paler in coeruleiviridis ). This is one of only 2 species with yellow palps and a dark basicosta. This species has pale, weak setae below and behind the postocular row, and an orange genal dilation. By contrast, its close relative, L. mexicana , has a stout row of dark setae below and behind the postocular row and a dark genal dilation. rarely found
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Calliphoridae (Blow Flies)
- Subfamily
- Melanomyinae
- Genus
- Lucilia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
so. US (TX, FL) to Argentina & Chile; West Indies
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann 1819)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lucilia eximia. 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 Lucilia eximia (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Lucilia eximia
What is Lucilia eximia?
Lucilia eximia is a species in the family Calliphoridae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Lucilia eximia?
Two postsutural acrostichals, male frons very narrow (broader in cluvia ), basicosta brown (paler in coeruleiviridis ). This is one of only 2 species with yellow palps and a dark basicosta. This species has pale, weak setae below and behind the postocular row, and an orange genal dilation. By contrast, its close relative, L. mexicana , has a stout row of dark setae below and behind the postocular row and a dark genal dilation.
Where is Lucilia eximia found?
Range: so. US (TX, FL) to Argentina & Chile; West Indies