Messiasia pertenuis
This record describes Messiasia pertenuis (species). Recorded family: Mydidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head, thorax, legs, mainly black (with perhaps with some reddish cast, especially in tibiae & other parts of legs). |
| Antennae | Antennae mostly black, with club somewhat reddish. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen with 1st segment black , subsequent segments bright red-orange with a thin, black, partially-broken lateral stripe along ridge at the juncture of tergites & sternites. Key for Messiasia on pg. 11 of Wilcox & Papavero(1975) ...species description for M. pertenuis on pg. 33. |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southern Arizona (and south into Sonora, Mexico)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Messiasia pertenuis. 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 Messiasia pertenuis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Messiasia pertenuis
What is Messiasia pertenuis?
Messiasia pertenuis is a species in the family Mydidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Messiasia pertenuis?
Male BL: 19-22 mm Female BL: 18-22 mm
How do you identify Messiasia pertenuis?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head, thorax, legs, mainly black (with perhaps with some reddish cast, especially in tibiae & other parts of legs). |
| Antennae | Antennae mostly black, with club somewhat reddish. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen with 1st segment black , subsequent segments bright red-orange with a thin, black, partially-broken lateral stripe along ridge at the juncture of tergites & sternites. |
Where is Messiasia pertenuis found?
Range: Southern Arizona (and south into Sonora, Mexico)