Parathalassius abela
This record describes Parathalassius abela (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This relatively large species is characterized by 3–4 notopleural bristles, dark legs, relatively long vein CuA+CuP, males with golden-yellow pruinosity on the face and clypeus, and longer lower male ommatrichia. Parathalassius abela is very similar to P. candidatus , but males can be distinguished by the golden-yellow pruinosity plus yellow setae and ommatrichia on the lower part of the head. Females of these two species are virtually identical. (Brooks and Cumming 2017)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Dolichopodidae (Longlegged Flies)
- Subfamily
- Microphorinae
- Genus
- Parathalassius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for Alice Abela
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Parathalassius abela. 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 Parathalassius abela (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr