Physoconops fronto
This record describes Physoconops fronto (species). Recorded family: Conopidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
As a member of the nominate subgenus Physoconops (Physoconops) this species has 3rd antennal segment about 2/3 the length of the 2nd antennal segment, and a small triangular indentation at the middle of the hind margin of the eye (which, depending on lighting and viewing angle, may be hard to discern). Also, in P. fronto the 1st posterior cell (= the cell underlying label sprs vn here ) is nearly entirely hyaline...with only the spurious vein itself (and sometimes a very small portion of the base of the cell) dark. Having a hyaline 1st posterior cell is fairly unusual in the genus and thus a useful distinguishing character for P. fronto .
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Washington & Alberta to Massachusetts, south to California, Mexico and Florida
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Physoconops fronto. 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 fronto (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Physoconops fronto
What is Physoconops fronto?
Physoconops fronto is a species in the family Conopidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Physoconops fronto?
As a member of the nominate subgenus Physoconops (Physoconops) this species has 3rd antennal segment about 2/3 the length of the 2nd antennal segment, and a small triangular indentation at the middle of the hind margin of the eye (which, depending on lighting and viewing angle, may be hard to discern). Also, in P. fronto the 1st posterior cell (= the cell underlying label sprs vn here ) is nearly entirely hyaline...with only the spurious vein itself (and sometimes a very small portion of the base of the cell) dark. Having a hyaline 1st posterior cell is fairly unusual in the genus and thus a useful distinguishing character for P. fronto .
Where is Physoconops fronto found?
Range: Washington & Alberta to Massachusetts, south to California, Mexico and Florida