undescribed sp. 1
Palpada undescribed-species-near-furcata
This record describes Palpada undescribed-species-near-furcata (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This page is for observations of the possibly undescribed species near Palpada furcata
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
P. furcata is tropical, but this related species is only present in the Eastern United States and possibly the Carribean area.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Palpada furcata (Wiedemann 1819) "Undescribed species 1", Skevington et al., 2019
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Palpada undescribed-species-near-furcata. 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 undescribed sp. 1 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by cotinis | Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by cotinis , Vox Sciurorum , v belov , zdanko
Frequently Asked Questions About undescribed sp. 1
What is undescribed sp. 1?
undescribed sp. 1 (Palpada undescribed-species-near-furcata) is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is undescribed sp. 1?
8-11 mm
Where is undescribed sp. 1 found?
Range: P. furcata is tropical, but this related species is only present in the Eastern United States and possibly the Carribean area.