Opsodexia grisea
This record describes Opsodexia grisea (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dark abdomen, third antenna segment partly orange, strong apical posterodorsal bristle on hind tibia, black legs, median marginal bristles on tergite 3. Biology is unknown. Related species eat snails.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Calliphoridae (Blow Flies)
- Subfamily
- Melanomyinae
- Genus
- Opsodexia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA (literature records from Southeast and Illinois; BugGuide photos from Pennsylvania)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Grisea means gray.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Opsodexia grisea. 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 Opsodexia grisea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Opsodexia grisea
What is Opsodexia grisea?
Opsodexia grisea is a species in the family Calliphoridae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Opsodexia grisea?
Dark abdomen, third antenna segment partly orange, strong apical posterodorsal bristle on hind tibia, black legs, median marginal bristles on tergite 3.
Where is Opsodexia grisea found?
Range: Eastern USA (literature records from Southeast and Illinois; BugGuide photos from Pennsylvania)