Longhorn Cactus Fly
Odontoloxozus longicornis
This record describes Odontoloxozus longicornis (species). Recorded family: Neriidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Brown, face and lower part of head yellow. Eye has two black spots along front, brown stripe behind. |
| Antennae | Antennae have broad third segment. |
| Legs | Legs yellow-brown, femora with spines. Stem of halteres yellow, knobs brown. |
Wikipedia reference for Odontoloxozus longicornis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odontoloxozus_longicornis.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deserts; larvae in decomposing cacti ( 4 )
Geographic Range
sw. US (s.CA to c.TX) to Costa Rica - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Odontoloxozus longicornis (Coquillett 1904)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Odontoloxozus longicornis. 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 Longhorn Cactus Fly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Longhorn Cactus Fly
What is Longhorn Cactus Fly?
Longhorn Cactus Fly (Odontoloxozus longicornis) is a species in the family Neriidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Longhorn Cactus Fly?
7-12 mm
How do you identify Longhorn Cactus Fly?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Brown, face and lower part of head yellow. Eye has two black spots along front, brown stripe behind. |
| Antennae | Antennae have broad third segment. |
| Legs | Legs yellow-brown, femora with spines. Stem of halteres yellow, knobs brown. |
Where is Longhorn Cactus Fly found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deserts; larvae in decomposing cacti ( 4 ) |
| Range | sw. US (s.CA to c.TX) to Costa Rica - Map |