Pegasomyia ruficornis
This record describes Pegasomyia ruficornis (species). Recorded family: Tabanidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males have black body (beneath pale hair) and yellow antennae. Females are very similar to abaureus with a slightly longer scape. Middlekauff and Lane warn, females of ruficornis cannot be separated with certainty from those of abaureus .
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pegasomyia ruficornis. 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 Pegasomyia ruficornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Pegasomyia ruficornis
What is Pegasomyia ruficornis?
Pegasomyia ruficornis is a species in the family Tabanidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Pegasomyia ruficornis?
Males have black body (beneath pale hair) and yellow antennae. Females are very similar to abaureus with a slightly longer scape. Middlekauff and Lane warn, females of ruficornis cannot be separated with certainty from those of abaureus .
Where is Pegasomyia ruficornis found?
Range: California