Olpodiplosis helianthi
This record describes Olpodiplosis helianthi (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Cecidomyiinae
- Tribe
- Lopesiini
- Genus
- Olpodiplosis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Ontario to Iowa, south to Texas
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Helianthus spp.
Life History
Adults emerge from the ends of the galls in late spring and in summer, so there are at least two generations per year .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Olpodiplosis helianthi. 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 Olpodiplosis helianthi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Olpodiplosis helianthi
Where is Olpodiplosis helianthi found?
Range: Ontario to Iowa, south to Texas
What does Olpodiplosis helianthi eat?
The diet of the Olpodiplosis helianthi includes Helianthus spp..
What is the life cycle of a Olpodiplosis helianthi?
Adults emerge from the ends of the galls in late spring and in summer, so there are at least two generations per year .