Phyllomydas scitulus
This record describes Phyllomydas scitulus (species). Recorded family: Mydidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Male has relative length of antennal club much longer than any other of our mydid taxa, nearly twice as long as the preceding segments combined. The club is flared at base (much wider than preceding segment), and gradually tapering with mildly sinuate edges, towards a rounded tip. |
| Thorax | Thorax black dorsally, red align edges, with pleura reddish-brown. Abdominal tergites are dark brown-to-black centrally with yellow anterior and posterior bands. |
| Wings | Wings are almost entirely hyaline except for a brownish tint along the sliver-like costa. |
| Legs | Legs reddish-brown; hind femora not appreciably widened. Female with much smaller club, subequal to preceding segment, not nearly as inflated. |
| Thorax | Thorax similar to male. Abdominal tergites are rich-reddish, narrowly black on edges. |
| Wings | Wings are slightly brown-tinged. Key and detailed description appear in Wilcox(1978). |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
South-central Arizona into Sonora, Mexico
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phyllomydas scitulus. 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 Phyllomydas scitulus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Phyllomydas scitulus
What is Phyllomydas scitulus?
Phyllomydas scitulus is a species in the family Mydidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Phyllomydas scitulus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Male has relative length of antennal club much longer than any other of our mydid taxa, nearly twice as long as the preceding segments combined. The club is flared at base (much wider than preceding segment), and gradually tapering with mildly sinuate edges, towards a rounded tip. |
| Thorax | Thorax black dorsally, red align edges, with pleura reddish-brown. Abdominal tergites are dark brown-to-black centrally with yellow anterior and posterior bands. |
| Wings | Wings are almost entirely hyaline except for a brownish tint along the sliver-like costa. |
| Legs | Legs reddish-brown; hind femora not appreciably widened. Female with much smaller club, subequal to preceding segment, not nearly as inflated. |
| Thorax | Thorax similar to male. Abdominal tergites are rich-reddish, narrowly black on edges. |
| Wings | Wings are slightly brown-tinged. |
Where is Phyllomydas scitulus found?
Range: South-central Arizona into Sonora, Mexico