Pantarbes earinus
This record describes Pantarbes earinus (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Abdominal dorsum entirely white pilose; antennae proximate, not widely separated (their bases not further apart than length of 1st antennal segment). Female: eyes separated by a bit more than 3 x width of ocellar tubercle; brown tranverse band of hairs across top of frons/forward edge of vertex; body, face, frons densely white pilose. Male: eyes separated by a bit more than width of ocellar tubercle, the latter black; body less densely white pilose, with black ground color.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Cythereinae
- Genus
- Pantarbes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Arid lands
Geographic Range
w US (CA to ID-WY-NM) & Baja
Seasonal Activity
Spring
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pantarbes earinus Hall & Evenhuis 1984
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pantarbes earinus. 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 Pantarbes earinus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pantarbes earinus
What is Pantarbes earinus?
Pantarbes earinus is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Pantarbes earinus?
~5 mm
How do you identify Pantarbes earinus?
Abdominal dorsum entirely white pilose; antennae proximate, not widely separated (their bases not further apart than length of 1st antennal segment). Female: eyes separated by a bit more than 3 x width of ocellar tubercle; brown tranverse band of hairs across top of frons/forward edge of vertex; body, face, frons densely white pilose. Male: eyes separated by a bit more than width of ocellar tubercle, the latter black; body less densely white pilose, with black ground color.
Where is Pantarbes earinus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Arid lands |
| Range | w US (CA to ID-WY-NM) & Baja |
When is Pantarbes earinus active?
Pantarbes earinus: seasonal activity - Spring.