Parathalassius infuscatus
This record describes Parathalassius infuscatus (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This small distinctive species is characterized by broadly infuscate wings in both the male and female with the base of M2 usually appearing indistinct, uniformly short male ommatrichia, 2 notopleural bristles, and male hypopygium with an unbranched left ventral epandrial process.
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.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Coast of southern California
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The wing is dark (infuscated).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Parathalassius infuscatus. 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 infuscatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Parathalassius infuscatus
What is Parathalassius infuscatus?
Parathalassius infuscatus is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Parathalassius infuscatus?
This small distinctive species is characterized by broadly infuscate wings in both the male and female with the base of M2 usually appearing indistinct, uniformly short male ommatrichia, 2 notopleural bristles, and male hypopygium with an unbranched left ventral epandrial process.
Where is Parathalassius infuscatus found?
Range: Coast of southern California