Mixogaster fattigi
This record describes Mixogaster fattigi (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
pine, pine-oak, pine-hardwood or hardwood forests (Skevington et al. 2019)
Geographic Range
Southeastern US: FL, GA, LA, MS, TN, TX, NC and VA (Skevington et al. 2019; BugGuide records)
Seasonal Activity
June-August, some into December in GA (Skevington et al. 2019)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Species name for the collector of the first known specimens, P.W. Fattig. Fattig was the Curator of the Museum in Emory University from 1926 to 1953 (Skevington et al. 2019). Full name: Perry Wilbur Fattig (1881-1953) ( Smithsonian Institution Archives )
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Mixogaster fattigi. 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 Mixogaster fattigi (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mixogaster fattigi
How big is Mixogaster fattigi?
~10-15 mm length (Skevington et al. 2019)
Where is Mixogaster fattigi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | pine, pine-oak, pine-hardwood or hardwood forests (Skevington et al. 2019) |
| Range | Southeastern US: FL, GA, LA, MS, TN, TX, NC and VA (Skevington et al. 2019; BugGuide records) |
When is Mixogaster fattigi active?
Mixogaster fattigi: seasonal activity - June-August, some into December in GA (Skevington et al. 2019).