Mallota diversipennis
This record describes Mallota diversipennis (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Eyes bare; thorax and scutellum pale yellow/reddish pilose; abdomen mostly pale pilose, but black pilose medially; wing obfuscation restricted to the area around the veins. Cell c almost completely bare.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
US: UT & CO
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mallota diversipennis Curran 1922
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Mallota diversipennis. 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 Mallota diversipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kevin Moran; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mallota diversipennis
What is Mallota diversipennis?
Mallota diversipennis is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Mallota diversipennis?
Eyes bare; thorax and scutellum pale yellow/reddish pilose; abdomen mostly pale pilose, but black pilose medially; wing obfuscation restricted to the area around the veins. Cell c almost completely bare.
Where is Mallota diversipennis found?
Range: US: UT & CO