Mythenteles propleuralis
This record describes Mythenteles propleuralis (species). Recorded family: Mythicomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Detailed description and other info available on this page from the Treatment Bank of the website Plazi . This is the only species of Mythenteles in our area. It was originally described as Empidideicus propleuralis on pg. 458 of Melander , and appears in the key on pg. 455 . Another synonym, Mythicomyia mutabilis , was treated in Melander...it appears in the key (on pg. 165) and in a description/discussion (on pp. 229-230). Perhaps the most detailed description & discussion was given under the name Cladella propleuralis on pp. 619-622 of Hall & Evenhuis...which, unfortunately, is not available on the web (and hard to find in libraries). This was the only species name placed under then newly-erected genus Cladella (i.e. it was monotypic). But that genus name was short-lived...the species is currently placed in Mythenteles per the 2002 catalog . However, an admirably detailed treatment of Mythenteles propleuralis is available online here .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Mythicomyiidae (Micro Bee Flies)
- Genus
- Mythenteles
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Mythenteles propleuralis. 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 Mythenteles propleuralis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Mythenteles propleuralis
What is Mythenteles propleuralis?
Mythenteles propleuralis is a species in the family Mythicomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Mythenteles propleuralis?
Detailed description and other info available on this page from the Treatment Bank of the website Plazi .
Where is Mythenteles propleuralis found?
Range: California