Paracosmus rubicundus
This record describes Paracosmus rubicundus (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
P. rubicundus is unique in the genus Paracosmus as the only species having abdominal tergites principally reddish-brown (with white posterior bands)...in all other species the tergites are principally blackish (with whitish posterior bands). Also distinctive: P. rubicundus has basal antenna segment yellow with the remaining segments brwonish to black; and the face and frons pale white to yellow (in the other Paracosmus the antenna are entirely black, while face & frons are mostly black). Additionally, the abdomen is also more rounded in cross-section (vs. the laterally compressed in the other species, except perhaps in similis ). P. rubicundus is the sole species in subgenus Actherosia Hull, 1973. (Read Hull's treatment at this BHL link .)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tomomyzinae
- Genus
- Paracosmus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Arizona, California
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Paracosmus rubicundus. 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 Paracosmus rubicundus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Paracosmus rubicundus
What is Paracosmus rubicundus?
Paracosmus rubicundus is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Paracosmus rubicundus?
5.5–7.5 mm
How do you identify Paracosmus rubicundus?
P. rubicundus is unique in the genus Paracosmus as the only species having abdominal tergites principally reddish-brown (with white posterior bands)...in all other species the tergites are principally blackish (with whitish posterior bands). Also distinctive: P. rubicundus has basal antenna segment yellow with the remaining segments brwonish to black; and the face and frons pale white to yellow (in the other Paracosmus the antenna are entirely black, while face & frons are mostly black). Additionally, the abdomen is also more rounded in cross-section (vs. the laterally compressed in the other species, except perhaps in similis ).
Where is Paracosmus rubicundus found?
Range: Arizona, California