Microchrysa flaviventris
This record describes Microchrysa flaviventris (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Abdomen yellow in males, metallic green in females (and in both sexes of other US congeners). The wing cell d is half open (closed in flavicornis ). (Based on Martin Hauser's comments) first record in our area: VA 2007
Wikipedia reference for Microchrysa flaviventris: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchrysa_flaviventris.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Stratiomyidae (Soldier flies)
- Subfamily
- Sarginae
- Genus
- Microchrysa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Decaying plant material
Geographic Range
accidentally introduced to the US (VA), possibly from China or Japan; native to the Oriental region (widespread), also found in Madagascar (may be introduced there, too)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Microchrysa flaviventris (Wiedemann 1824)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Microchrysa flaviventris. 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 Microchrysa flaviventris (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Microchrysa flaviventris
What is Microchrysa flaviventris?
Microchrysa flaviventris is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Microchrysa flaviventris?
Abdomen yellow in males, metallic green in females (and in both sexes of other US congeners). The wing cell d is half open (closed in flavicornis ). (Based on Martin Hauser's comments)
Where is Microchrysa flaviventris found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Decaying plant material |
| Range | accidentally introduced to the US (VA), possibly from China or Japan; native to the Oriental region (widespread), also found in Madagascar (may be introduced there, too) |