DipteraSyrphidae – Hover Flies

Palpada vinetorum

This record describes Palpada vinetorum (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.

Identification and Appearance

Palpada vinetorum - Palpada vinetorum
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
FeatureDescription
Additional detailsA robust syrphid, (typical of genus Palpada ), yellowish-brown with gray bands on thorax.
LegsLegs reddish or yellowish, femora darker. Hind tibiae thick, arc-shaped.
WingsWings slightly darkened. See comments to this image:

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera (Flies)
Superfamily
Platypezoidea
Family
Syrphidae (Hover Flies)
Subfamily
Eristalinae
Tribe
Eristalini
Genus
Palpada

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

e. US (PA-FL to WI-TX) to Argentina

Seasonal Activity

mostly: Jun-Nov, longer in TX & FL (BG data)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Palpada vinetorum ( Fabricius 1798)

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Palpada vinetorum. 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.

Explore Diptera families and species →

Photos of Palpada vinetorum (5)

Palpada vinetorum - photo 1
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Palpada vinetorum - photo 2
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Palpada vinetorum - photo 3
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Palpada vinetorum - photo 4
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Palpada vinetorum - photo 5
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Palpada vinetorum

What is Palpada vinetorum?

Palpada vinetorum is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.

How big is Palpada vinetorum?

11-14 mm

How do you identify Palpada vinetorum?
FeatureDescription
Additional detailsA robust syrphid, (typical of genus Palpada ), yellowish-brown with gray bands on thorax.
LegsLegs reddish or yellowish, femora darker. Hind tibiae thick, arc-shaped.
WingsWings slightly darkened. See comments to this image:
Where is Palpada vinetorum found?

Range: e. US (PA-FL to WI-TX) to Argentina

When is Palpada vinetorum active?

Palpada vinetorum: seasonal activity - mostly: Jun-Nov, longer in TX & FL (BG data).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.