Ozodiceromyia livdahli
This record describes Ozodiceromyia livdahli (species). Recorded family: Therevidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
See comments under images, such as: Quoting from Gaimari and Irwin (2000), p. 563: The small, easily recognized mexicana-group is characterized by an elongated antennal scape and first flagellomere, as well as the slightly elongated, barrel-shaped pedicel. In total, the antenna is longer than the head, and is densely setose, including setae on the median surface. This surface is bare in nearly all other members of the genus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Therevidae (Stiletto Flies)
- Subfamily
- Therevinae
- Genus
- Ozodiceromyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
SE Arizona and SW New Mexico, NW Mexico
Seasonal Activity
typically July-August, with some records June and September
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Patronym for Todd P. Livdahl , professor of Biology at Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ozodiceromyia livdahli. 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 Ozodiceromyia livdahli (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozodiceromyia livdahli
What is Ozodiceromyia livdahli?
Ozodiceromyia livdahli is a species in the family Therevidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Ozodiceromyia livdahli?
10 mm length (female); 8 mm (male)
How do you identify Ozodiceromyia livdahli?
See comments under images, such as: Quoting from Gaimari and Irwin (2000), p. 563: The small, easily recognized mexicana-group is characterized by an elongated antennal scape and first flagellomere, as well as the slightly elongated, barrel-shaped pedicel. In total, the antenna is longer than the head, and is densely setose, including setae on the median surface. This surface is bare in nearly all other members of the genus.
Where is Ozodiceromyia livdahli found?
Range: SE Arizona and SW New Mexico, NW Mexico
When is Ozodiceromyia livdahli active?
Ozodiceromyia livdahli: seasonal activity - typically July-August, with some records June and September.