Odontomyia hirtocculata
This record describes Odontomyia hirtocculata (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
eyes covered with conspicuous pile (bare in other Odontomyia spp.); specimens with abraded eye hair may be misidentifined as arcuata
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Stratiomyidae (Soldier flies)
- Subfamily
- Stratiomyinae
- Tribe
- Stratiomyini
- Genus
- Odontomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California: "Fairly common in the coastal area, from Sonoma Co. to the Mexican border."
Seasonal Activity
Jun‒Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Odonotomyia hirtocculata James 1936
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Odontomyia hirtocculata. 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 Odontomyia hirtocculata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Odontomyia hirtocculata
What is Odontomyia hirtocculata?
Odontomyia hirtocculata is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Odontomyia hirtocculata?
eyes covered with conspicuous pile (bare in other Odontomyia spp.); specimens with abraded eye hair may be misidentifined as arcuata
Where is Odontomyia hirtocculata found?
Range: California: Fairly common in the coastal area, from Sonoma Co. to the Mexican border.
When is Odontomyia hirtocculata active?
Odontomyia hirtocculata: seasonal activity - Jun‒Oct.