Physoconops nigrimanus
This record describes Physoconops nigrimanus (species). Recorded family: Conopidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is the only Physoconops species in our area having a sharply-defined dark T-pattern on the frons. (Note: Nearly all species of the closely related genus Physocephala have such a T-pattern on the frons...but they can be separated using other characters, see here .)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Nebr. to NJ, s. to TX and FL
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Physoconops nigrimanus. 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 nigrimanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Physoconops nigrimanus
What is Physoconops nigrimanus?
Physoconops nigrimanus is a species in the family Conopidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Physoconops nigrimanus?
This is the only Physoconops species in our area having a sharply-defined dark T-pattern on the frons. (Note: Nearly all species of the closely related genus Physocephala have such a T-pattern on the frons...but they can be separated using other characters, see here .)
Where is Physoconops nigrimanus found?
Range: Nebr. to NJ, s. to TX and FL