Paravilla separata
This record describes Paravilla separata (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The only north-eastern species in the genus. The black-banded abdomen distinguishes it from Chrysanthrax cypris. [Comment by Joel Kits here ].
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Anthracinae
- Tribe
- Villini
- Genus
- Paravilla
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
July to September.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults nectar on black-eyed susans.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Paravilla separata. 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 Paravilla separata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by tom murray
Frequently Asked Questions About Paravilla separata
What is Paravilla separata?
Paravilla separata is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Paravilla separata?
The only north-eastern species in the genus. The black-banded abdomen distinguishes it from Chrysanthrax cypris. [Comment by Joel Kits here ].
What does Paravilla separata eat?
The diet of the Paravilla separata includes Adults nectar on black-eyed susans..
When is Paravilla separata active?
Paravilla separata: seasonal activity - July to September..