Peloropeodes cornutus
This record describes Peloropeodes cornutus (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males are distinguished from other North American Peloropeodes by the very long antennae with first two segments black. P. magnicornis from Nebraska has the first two segments yellow.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Dolichopodidae (Longlegged Flies)
- Subfamily
- Peloropeodinae
- Genus
- Peloropeodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Western North America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Latin for horned, named for the long antennae of the male.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Peloropeodes cornutus. 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 Peloropeodes cornutus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Peloropeodes cornutus
What is Peloropeodes cornutus?
Peloropeodes cornutus is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Peloropeodes cornutus?
Males are distinguished from other North American Peloropeodes by the very long antennae with first two segments black. P. magnicornis from Nebraska has the first two segments yellow.
Where is Peloropeodes cornutus found?
Range: Western North America