Plecia americana
This record describes Plecia americana (species). Recorded family: Bibionidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
P. americana is red laterally and ventrally on the thorax
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Bibionidae (March Flies)
- Genus
- Plecia (Lovebugs)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
a woodland species that does not seem to be a problem on highways.
Geographic Range
se US: NC & SC to MO - Map (BG & GBIF data), uncommon
Seasonal Activity
only coll’ed in April-June, with no evidence of a fall emergence .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Plecia americana Hardy 1940
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Plecia americana. 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 Plecia americana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Plecia americana
What is Plecia americana?
Plecia americana is a species in the family Bibionidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Plecia americana?
P. americana is red laterally and ventrally on the thorax
Where is Plecia americana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | a woodland species that does not seem to be a problem on highways. |
| Range | se US: NC & SC to MO - Map (BG & GBIF data), uncommon |
When is Plecia americana active?
Plecia americana: seasonal activity - only coll’ed in April-June, with no evidence of a fall emergence ..