Boatman Fly
Pogonortalis doclea
This record describes Pogonortalis doclea (species). Recorded family: Platystomatidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The males wave wings in display and engage in head-to-head combat
Wikipedia reference for Pogonortalis doclea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pogonortalis_doclea.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Platystomatidae (Signal Flies)
- Genus
- Pogonortalis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Australia, introduced into California
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults are attracted to mammalian dung
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pogonortalis doclea Walker 1849
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pogonortalis doclea. 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 Boatman Fly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chuck Entz; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Boatman Fly
What is Boatman Fly?
Boatman Fly (Pogonortalis doclea) is a species in the family Platystomatidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Boatman Fly found?
Range: native to Australia, introduced into California
What does Boatman Fly eat?
The diet of the Boatman Fly includes Adults are attracted to mammalian dung.