Merycomyia whitneyi
This record describes Merycomyia whitneyi (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
abdomen with large white patches laterally on at least tergites 4 and 5
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Maine to Florida, west to Indiana; Ontario Now known from Nova Scotia: LINK LINK and New Brunswick, Charlotte Co. August 3 2016 (AWT)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Merycomyia whitneyi (Johnson 1904)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Merycomyia whitneyi. 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 Merycomyia whitneyi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Keith Bayless; Additional contributions by Tony-2 , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Merycomyia whitneyi
What is Merycomyia whitneyi?
Merycomyia whitneyi is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Merycomyia whitneyi?
abdomen with large white patches laterally on at least tergites 4 and 5
Where is Merycomyia whitneyi found?
Range: Maine to Florida, west to Indiana; Ontario Now known from Nova Scotia: LINK LINK and New Brunswick, Charlotte Co. August 3 2016 (AWT)