Physoconops analis
This record describes Physoconops analis (species). Recorded family: Conopidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Frons entirely black, shiny. 3rd antennal segment shorter than 2nd. 1st posterior and basal radial cells hyaline. Camras(1955) referred to this species using Williston's 1892 name P. angustifrons , but later he noted in Camras(1957) that the proper name was Physoconops analis , used by Fabricius in 1805 (his original description appears in Latin as entry 3" here ).
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Texas (Brownsville)...and south to Paraguay.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Physoconops analis. 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 Physoconops analis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Physoconops analis
What is Physoconops analis?
Physoconops analis is a species in the family Conopidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Physoconops analis?
Frons entirely black, shiny. 3rd antennal segment shorter than 2nd. 1st posterior and basal radial cells hyaline.
Where is Physoconops analis found?
Range: Texas (Brownsville)...and south to Paraguay.