Platypalpus holosericus
This record describes Platypalpus holosericus (species). Recorded family: Hybotidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body black, with dense pollen covering head and thorax and forming triangles on sides of abdomen; legs yellow, spur of tibia longer than diameter of tibia; posterior crossvein (M-Cu) oblique and behind anterior (R-M); R4+5 and M convergent towards wingtip with cell r5 widest in middle; antenna two thirds as long as arista. Marshall says the species is common
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Northeast USA, adjacent Canada, Nova Scotia
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Platypalpus holosericus. 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 Platypalpus holosericus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Platypalpus holosericus
What is Platypalpus holosericus?
Platypalpus holosericus is a species in the family Hybotidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Platypalpus holosericus?
Body black, with dense pollen covering head and thorax and forming triangles on sides of abdomen; legs yellow, spur of tibia longer than diameter of tibia; posterior crossvein (M-Cu) oblique and behind anterior (R-M); R4+5 and M convergent towards wingtip with cell r5 widest in middle; antenna two thirds as long as arista.
Where is Platypalpus holosericus found?
Range: Northeast USA, adjacent Canada, Nova Scotia