Plagioneurus univittatus
This record describes Plagioneurus univittatus (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Thorax metallic green with a strong black stripe in the center. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen black with white pruinose posterior bands. |
| Wings | Wings hyaline with vein M converging with R4+5. |
Wikipedia reference for Plagioneurus univittatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plagioneurus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Dolichopodidae (Longlegged Flies)
- Subfamily
- Plagioneurinae
- Genus
- Plagioneurus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern United States south to South America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Genus name from Greek words for "oblique" and "nerve", referring to the unusual angle of the last part of vein M. Species name means "one stripe", referring to the stripe on the thorax.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Plagioneurus univittatus. 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 Plagioneurus univittatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Sean McCann; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , Robert Lord Zimlich , zdanko
Frequently Asked Questions About Plagioneurus univittatus
What is Plagioneurus univittatus?
Plagioneurus univittatus is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Plagioneurus univittatus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Thorax metallic green with a strong black stripe in the center. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen black with white pruinose posterior bands. |
| Wings | Wings hyaline with vein M converging with R4+5. |
Where is Plagioneurus univittatus found?
Range: Eastern United States south to South America