DipteraStratiomyidae – Soldier flies

Odontomyia tumida

This record describes Odontomyia tumida (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.

Identification and Appearance

Odontomyia tumida - Odontomyia tumida
Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov

Identification notes

ID details

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

w.US (WA‒CA to MT‒KS‒NM)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Odontomyia tumida Banks 1926

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Odontomyia tumida. 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.

Explore Diptera families and species →

Photos of Odontomyia tumida (5)

Odontomyia tumida - photo 1
Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov
Odontomyia tumida - photo 2
Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov
Odontomyia tumida - photo 3
Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov
Odontomyia tumida - photo 4
Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov
Odontomyia tumida - photo 5
Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Odontomyia tumida

How big is Odontomyia tumida?

8‒10 mm

How do you identify Odontomyia tumida?

ID details

Where is Odontomyia tumida found?

Range: w.US (WA‒CA to MT‒KS‒NM)

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.