Opomydas limbatus
This record describes Opomydas limbatus (species). Recorded family: Mydidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Williston's original 1886 description can be read here . Kondratieff & Fitzgerald state: There are 2 color morphs of O. limbatus , an orange and a dark brown or black morph. The orange morph comprises =53% and the darker morph 47% of specimens examined. The 2 morphs seem to be equally common in frequency and distribution.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southeastern California, southern Nevada, western and southern Arizona (also Baja California)
Seasonal Activity
From Kondratieff & Fitzgerald: "Based on material examined, flight period of O. limbatus extends from 27 May to 26 July". However. Lynn Monroe has found adult O. limbatus on May 2 in the Anza-Borrego desert area of southern California:
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Opomydas limbatus. 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 Opomydas limbatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Opomydas limbatus
What is Opomydas limbatus?
Opomydas limbatus is a species in the family Mydidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Opomydas limbatus found?
Range: Southeastern California, southern Nevada, western and southern Arizona (also Baja California)
When is Opomydas limbatus active?
Opomydas limbatus: seasonal activity - From Kondratieff & Fitzgerald: Based on material examined, flight period of O. limbatus extends from 27 May to 26 July. However. Lynn Monroe has found adult O. limbatus on May 2 in the Anza-Borrego desert area of southern California:.