Orthonevra flukei
This record describes Orthonevra flukei (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other Southwestern members of the species group by the combination of face with scales (not bare or with long hairs); eye with two eye stripes, usually with sharp angles above midline (vs. three stripes or with gentle curves above midline); second and third segments of antenna similar in length (vs. second about half as long as third).
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA-NV south to tropical Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Orthonevra flukei (Sedman 1964)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Orthonevra flukei. 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 flukei (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by v belov , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthonevra flukei
What is Orthonevra flukei?
Orthonevra flukei is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Orthonevra flukei?
Distinguished from other Southwestern members of the species group by the combination of face with scales (not bare or with long hairs); eye with two eye stripes, usually with sharp angles above midline (vs. three stripes or with gentle curves above midline); second and third segments of antenna similar in length (vs. second about half as long as third).
Where is Orthonevra flukei found?
Range: CA-NV south to tropical Mexico