Phaonia houghii
This record describes Phaonia houghii (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Common, widespread. Large dark fly with yellowish scutellum and often humeri as well; legs yellow. Antennae yellowish except apically on the last segment. Arista with long hairs. Prealar bristle long. Node of Rs with a few hairs both dorsally and ventrally. Vein M bends towards tip of wing slightly.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
BC-QC, south to CA-OK-NJ
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phaonia houghii. 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 Phaonia houghii (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Phaonia houghii
What is Phaonia houghii?
Phaonia houghii is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Phaonia houghii?
8 to 9 mm
How do you identify Phaonia houghii?
Common, widespread. Large dark fly with yellowish scutellum and often humeri as well; legs yellow. Antennae yellowish except apically on the last segment. Arista with long hairs. Prealar bristle long. Node of Rs with a few hairs both dorsally and ventrally. Vein M bends towards tip of wing slightly.
Where is Phaonia houghii found?
Range: BC-QC, south to CA-OK-NJ