Pegomya (Phoraea) winthemi
Pegomya winthemi
This record describes Pegomya winthemi (species). Recorded family: Anthomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Females of the species group to which P. winthemi belongs have enlarged fifth segments of mid and hind tarsi.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Anthomyiidae (Root-Maggot Flies)
- Subfamily
- Pegomyinae
- Genus
- Pegomya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae in mushrooms, especially Boletus and Leccinum ( Wheeler and Blackwell )
Geographic Range
Holarctic, south to southern California and Tennessee
Seasonal Activity
Multivoltine, late season immatures undergo diapause and emerge the next spring or sometimes the second spring.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for entomologist Wilhelm von Winthem.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pegomya winthemi. 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 Pegomya (Phoraea) winthemi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Pegomya (Phoraea) winthemi
What is Pegomya (Phoraea) winthemi?
Pegomya (Phoraea) winthemi (Pegomya winthemi) is a species in the family Anthomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Pegomya (Phoraea) winthemi?
Females of the species group to which P. winthemi belongs have enlarged fifth segments of mid and hind tarsi.
Where is Pegomya (Phoraea) winthemi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae in mushrooms, especially Boletus and Leccinum ( Wheeler and Blackwell ) |
| Range | Holarctic, south to southern California and Tennessee |
When is Pegomya (Phoraea) winthemi active?
Pegomya (Phoraea) winthemi: seasonal activity - Multivoltine, late season immatures undergo diapause and emerge the next spring or sometimes the second spring..