Milesia scutellata
This record describes Milesia scutellata (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Most notably, the scutellum is wholly yellow, with only a small black band at its base, unlike Milesia virginiensis and M. bella . Thorax markings also differ: Hull writes Thorax black, marked with yellow, similarly to virginiensis , but differing as follows : in that species there are two transverse, medianly interrupted, yellow bands on the thorax, the first between the humeri, the second just behind the suture. The median, broken ends of the humeral band are turned down and drawn out acutely to a point, but never continuous with the sutural or second band of the thorax ; in scutellata the two bands are broadly connected in the middle, forming thus two U's, their open ends facing outward, laterally.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US (NC-FL-TX)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Milesia scutellata Hull 1924
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Milesia scutellata. 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 Milesia scutellata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Kelsey J.R.P. Byers; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Milesia scutellata
What is Milesia scutellata?
Milesia scutellata is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Milesia scutellata?
Most notably, the scutellum is wholly yellow, with only a small black band at its base, unlike Milesia virginiensis and M. bella . Thorax markings also differ: Hull writes Thorax black, marked with yellow, similarly to virginiensis , but differing as follows : in that species there are two transverse, medianly interrupted, yellow bands on the thorax, the first between the humeri, the second just behind the suture. The median, broken ends of the humeral band are turned down and drawn out acutely to a point, but never continuous with the sutural or second band of the thorax ; in scutellata the two bands are broadly connected in the middle, forming thus two U's, their open ends facing outward, laterally.
Where is Milesia scutellata found?
Range: se US (NC-FL-TX)