Phyllolabis hurdi
This record describes Phyllolabis hurdi (species). Recorded family: Limoniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is an unusually distinct species, differing from all others in the Nearctic fauna by the wing pattern and hypopygial structure. The only other regional species with patterned wings is Phyllolabis myriostica Alexander which has abundant brown spots and dots in all the cells and with the hypopygial structure completely different . Size relatively large (wing of male 9.5 mm); general coloration gray, praescutum with three brown stripes; wings whitened, restrictedly patterned with brown, including seams at cord and origin of Rs; no stigmal trichia; vein R4 perpendicular at origin, with a conspicuous spur; male hypopygium with the basistyle tumid, outer end narrowed and decurved; lobe of ninth sternite massive, very large and complex .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Limoniidae (Limoniid Crane Flies)
- Tribe
- Hexatomini
- Genus
- Phyllolabis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holotype from Madera County, California.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phyllolabis hurdi. 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 Phyllolabis hurdi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllolabis hurdi
What is Phyllolabis hurdi?
Phyllolabis hurdi is a species in the family Limoniidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Phyllolabis hurdi?
Length of male 8.5 mm; wing 9.5 mm, antenna about 2 mm .
How do you identify Phyllolabis hurdi?
This is an unusually distinct species, differing from all others in the Nearctic fauna by the wing pattern and hypopygial structure. The only other regional species with patterned wings is Phyllolabis myriostica Alexander which has abundant brown spots and dots in all the cells and with the hypopygial structure completely different . Size relatively large (wing of male 9.5 mm); general coloration gray, praescutum with three brown stripes; wings whitened, restrictedly patterned with brown, including seams at cord and origin of Rs; no stigmal trichia; vein R4 perpendicular at origin, with a conspicuous spur; male hypopygium with the basistyle tumid, outer end narrowed and decurved; lobe of ninth sternite massive, very large and complex .
Where is Phyllolabis hurdi found?
Range: Holotype from Madera County, California.