Penthetria heteroptera
This record describes Penthetria heteroptera (species). Recorded family: Bibionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The forked R vein with nearly parallel forks distinguishes this species from other northeastern March Flies (comment by John Carr)
Wikipedia reference for Penthetria heteroptera: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penthetria_heteroptera.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Bibionidae (March Flies)
- Genus
- Penthetria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
widespread in North and South America
Seasonal Activity
fall
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Penthetria heteroptera. 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 Penthetria heteroptera (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matthias Buck; Additional contributions by cotinis , ceiseman , v belov , Spencer_pote
Frequently Asked Questions About Penthetria heteroptera
What is Penthetria heteroptera?
Penthetria heteroptera is a species in the family Bibionidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Penthetria heteroptera?
The forked R vein with nearly parallel forks distinguishes this species from other northeastern March Flies (comment by John Carr)
Where is Penthetria heteroptera found?
Range: widespread in North and South America
When is Penthetria heteroptera active?
Penthetria heteroptera: seasonal activity - fall.