Nicocles pictus
This record describes Nicocles pictus (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Original publication (Loew, 1866; in Latin!) gives size as: Long. corp. 5 1/3 lin., long. al. 5 1/4 lin. Long. corp. = length of body, long. al. = length wing. The unit is some version of the line, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_(unit) , perhaps about 1/10 of an inch, i.e., 2.5 mm (-Patrick Coin, a.k.a. Cotinis, 9/9/20).
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern United States: MA-FL to WV-AL (DC NY MA RI CT PA NJ DE MD VA WV KY TN AL GA FL SC NC) ; noted from midwest (Iowa) as well--see this record
Seasonal Activity
late winter-spring (BugGuide records are January-April)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nicocles pictus ( Loew 1866)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Nicocles pictus. 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 Nicocles pictus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Keith Bayless; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicocles pictus
What is Nicocles pictus?
Nicocles pictus is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Nicocles pictus?
circa 10-12 mm body length (see remarks)
Where is Nicocles pictus found?
Range: Eastern United States: MA-FL to WV-AL (DC NY MA RI CT PA NJ DE MD VA WV KY TN AL GA FL SC NC) ; noted from midwest (Iowa) as well--see this record
When is Nicocles pictus active?
Nicocles pictus: seasonal activity - late winter-spring (BugGuide records are January-April).