Neodexiopsis major
This record describes Neodexiopsis major (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | The second antennal joint almost entirely dark brown and the apex of third joint slightly browned ● palpi brownish basally ● abdomen without distinct paired dorsal spots and lacks large glossy areas on each side of the third and fourth tergites ● fore and mid femors have rather long bristly hairs on basal two-thirds of antero-ventral surface ● mid femur has a strong bristle at middle on anterior surface and a series of long slender bristles from base to beyond middle on postero-ventral surface ● hind femur has two long, strong bristles on antero-ventral surface, one before and one beyond middle; toward the base, there are numerous small bristles ● postero-ventral surface has a few long irregular bristles from base to beyond middle; hind tibia with the median antero-dorsal bristle long. |
| Female | Similar in color to the male, the antennae darker. The two basal abdominal tergites conspicuously yellowish testaceous. |
Classification
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Neodexiopsis major. 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 Neodexiopsis major (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich
Frequently Asked Questions About Neodexiopsis major
What is Neodexiopsis major?
Neodexiopsis major is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Neodexiopsis major?
4.5 to 5.5 mm
How do you identify Neodexiopsis major?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | The second antennal joint almost entirely dark brown and the apex of third joint slightly browned ● palpi brownish basally ● abdomen without distinct paired dorsal spots and lacks large glossy areas on each side of the third and fourth tergites ● fore and mid femors have rather long bristly hairs on basal two-thirds of antero-ventral surface ● mid femur has a strong bristle at middle on anterior surface and a series of long slender bristles from base to beyond middle on postero-ventral surface ● hind femur has two long, strong bristles on antero-ventral surface, one before and one beyond middle; toward the base, there are numerous small bristles ● postero-ventral surface has a few long irregular bristles from base to beyond middle; hind tibia with the median antero-dorsal bristle long. |
| Female | Similar in color to the male, the antennae darker. The two basal abdominal tergites conspicuously yellowish testaceous. |