Physoconops sylvosus
This record describes Physoconops sylvosus (species). Recorded family: Conopidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The simplest character distinguishing P. sylvosus is the transverse hyaline interruption of the darkly-infuscated anterior band of the wing located just proximal to the wing's apex (though the interruption may sometimes be vaguely-resolved and/or hard to discern). See the images below: For all other species of subfamily Conopinae in the continental US & Canada, the dark anterior portion of the wing is more-or-less un interrupted . Other notable characters for S. sylvosus are: 3rd antennal segment more the 2/3 length of proceeding segment; vertex roughly as long (longitudinally) as frons, and both fairly wide and entirely dark ...see: Additionally, the vertex & dorsum of the thorax in P. sylvosus are densely short-hairy...in distinction to most (all?) our other nearctic conopines: Detailed original descriptions at hyperlinks following names in Synonyms section above.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Colorado to New Hampshire, south to California, Mexico, and Florida.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Physoconops sylvosus. 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 sylvosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Physoconops sylvosus
What is Physoconops sylvosus?
Physoconops sylvosus is a species in the family Conopidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Physoconops sylvosus?
BL: 9-11 mm
How do you identify Physoconops sylvosus?
The simplest character distinguishing P. sylvosus is the transverse hyaline interruption of the darkly-infuscated anterior band of the wing located just proximal to the wing's apex (though the interruption may sometimes be vaguely-resolved and/or hard to discern). See the images below: For all other species of subfamily Conopinae in the continental US & Canada, the dark anterior portion of the wing is more-or-less un interrupted . Other notable characters for S. sylvosus are: 3rd antennal segment more the 2/3 length of proceeding segment; vertex roughly as long (longitudinally) as frons, and both fairly wide and entirely dark ...see: Additionally, the vertex & dorsum of the thorax in P. sylvosus are densely short-hairy...in distinction to most (all?) our other nearctic conopines:
Where is Physoconops sylvosus found?
Range: Colorado to New Hampshire, south to California, Mexico, and Florida.