Ogcodes dispar
This record describes Ogcodes dispar (species). Recorded family: Acroceridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance

Widely distributed in eastern North America, though uncommonly encountered. Males are typically bright yellow-orange all over, the female is darker (especially the abdomen). In O. rufoabdominalis both sexes should have a black thorax making them obviously bicolored (but the reverse of this one)--Dennis Haines, 6.xii.2007 For those wishing to search for and rear larvae of Ogcodes , a detailed study of the host-parasite relationship for this species can be found in Lamore (1960). (A. S. 7/24/14)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Acroceridae (Small-headed Flies)
- Genus
- Ogcodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
QC-MN to Costa Rica
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Pupa:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ogcodes dispar (Macquart 1855)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ogcodes dispar. 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 Ogcodes dispar (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff , v belov , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Ogcodes dispar
What is Ogcodes dispar?
Ogcodes dispar is a species in the family Acroceridae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Ogcodes dispar?
Widely distributed in eastern North America, though uncommonly encountered. Males are typically bright yellow-orange all over, the female is darker (especially the abdomen). In O. rufoabdominalis both sexes should have a black thorax making them obviously bicolored (but the reverse of this one)--Dennis Haines, 6.xii.2007
Where is Ogcodes dispar found?
Range: QC-MN to Costa Rica
What is the life cycle of a Ogcodes dispar?
Pupa:
FROM LOOKING IT UP TO GETTING TO KNOW IT
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