Paradidyma affinis
This record describes Paradidyma affinis (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Long bristles on parafacial (near facial ridge, but outside it) with remainder of parafacial bare, cell r5 open, crossvein m-cu in normal position (not retracted toward wing base), female with modified fore tarsi typical of Minthoini, female outer vertical bristles about half as long as inner (vs. absent or hairlike), thorax with four black stripes, tergite 1+2 without median marginals, tergite 5 with discal row of bristles.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tachininae
- Tribe
- Minthoini
- Genus
- Paradidyma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southern Canada to Mexico
Seasonal Activity
Spring to fall
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Paradidyma affinis. 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 Paradidyma affinis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Paradidyma affinis
What is Paradidyma affinis?
Paradidyma affinis is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Paradidyma affinis?
Long bristles on parafacial (near facial ridge, but outside it) with remainder of parafacial bare, cell r5 open, crossvein m-cu in normal position (not retracted toward wing base), female with modified fore tarsi typical of Minthoini, female outer vertical bristles about half as long as inner (vs. absent or hairlike), thorax with four black stripes, tergite 1+2 without median marginals, tergite 5 with discal row of bristles.
Where is Paradidyma affinis found?
Range: Southern Canada to Mexico
When is Paradidyma affinis active?
Paradidyma affinis: seasonal activity - Spring to fall.