Orthonevra bellula
This record describes Orthonevra bellula (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Relatively large and distinctive. The hairy face which is almost shaggy, elongate second antennal segments, simple eye markings, and distinctive male genitalia will separate this species from all others in the group (Sedman 1964). Larvae have rat-tails
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae are aquatic
Geographic Range
w. NA (WA to Mexico)
Seasonal Activity
Larvae feed on decaying organic material
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Orthonevra bellula (Williston 1882)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Orthonevra bellula. 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 Orthonevra bellula (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthonevra bellula
What is Orthonevra bellula?
Orthonevra bellula is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Orthonevra bellula?
Relatively large and distinctive. The hairy face which is almost shaggy, elongate second antennal segments, simple eye markings, and distinctive male genitalia will separate this species from all others in the group (Sedman 1964). Larvae have rat-tails
Where is Orthonevra bellula found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae are aquatic |
| Range | w. NA (WA to Mexico) |
When is Orthonevra bellula active?
Orthonevra bellula: seasonal activity - Larvae feed on decaying organic material.