Micropeza abnormis
This record describes Micropeza abnormis (species). Recorded family: Micropezidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Merritt & James remark that the species M. abnormis differs from others in the genus Micropeza by having a black thorax and a white arista. The detailed species description by Cresson appears here .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Nerioidea
- Family
- Micropezidae (Stilt-legged Flies)
- Subfamily
- Micropezinae
- Genus
- Micropeza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Arizona: Pima and Santa Cruz Counties. [Merritt, 1972]
Seasonal Activity
July to August [Merritt, 1972]
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Micropeza abnormis. 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 Micropeza abnormis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Micropeza abnormis
What is Micropeza abnormis?
Micropeza abnormis is a species in the family Micropezidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Micropeza abnormis?
Merritt & James remark that the species M. abnormis differs from others in the genus Micropeza by having a black thorax and a white arista. The detailed species description by Cresson appears here .
Where is Micropeza abnormis found?
Range: Arizona: Pima and Santa Cruz Counties. [Merritt, 1972]
When is Micropeza abnormis active?
Micropeza abnormis: seasonal activity - July to August [Merritt, 1972].