Polybiomyia bellardii
This record describes Polybiomyia bellardii (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Pleura (= lateral faces of the thorax) with no yellow markings ...mostly black but often tinged reddish in some areas. Dorsum of thorax black except for symmetrically-paired yellow spots on humeri (= anterior corners) and notopleura (= areas at lateral edges of suture, just forward from & above the wing bases). Scutellum yellow with narrow transverse black stripe just anterior to rounded hind edge. |
| Legs | Mostly red (but bases of tibiae yellowish). |
| Abdomen | 1st segment much-tapered rearward, mostly black with some red. 2nd segment quite narrow & elongate...gradually widening in posterior 1/3 of its length, two small lateral yellow spots anteriorly but otherwise mostly red with lesser areas of black and a conspicuous posterior yellow band. 3rd segment significantly widened posteriorly, black with a posterior yellow band...and usually with a pair of fainter pollinose (=dust-like), straight to slightly-curved tranverse markings on either side of the middle of posterior portion of the dorsum (anterior to yellow posterior band). 4th segment tapering in diameter but similar to 3rd in color & markings. For Shannon's 1925 key to Polybiomyia ...see here (and disregard the green highlighted text, which pertains to the species in that post). |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TX
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Polybiomyia bellardii. 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 Polybiomyia bellardii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by Matthias Buck , Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Polybiomyia bellardii
What is Polybiomyia bellardii?
Polybiomyia bellardii is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Polybiomyia bellardii?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Pleura (= lateral faces of the thorax) with no yellow markings ...mostly black but often tinged reddish in some areas. Dorsum of thorax black except for symmetrically-paired yellow spots on humeri (= anterior corners) and notopleura (= areas at lateral edges of suture, just forward from & above the wing bases). Scutellum yellow with narrow transverse black stripe just anterior to rounded hind edge. |
| Legs | Mostly red (but bases of tibiae yellowish). |
| Abdomen | 1st segment much-tapered rearward, mostly black with some red. 2nd segment quite narrow & elongate...gradually widening in posterior 1/3 of its length, two small lateral yellow spots anteriorly but otherwise mostly red with lesser areas of black and a conspicuous posterior yellow band. 3rd segment significantly widened posteriorly, black with a posterior yellow band...and usually with a pair of fainter pollinose (=dust-like), straight to slightly-curved tranverse markings on either side of the middle of posterior portion of the dorsum (anterior to yellow posterior band). 4th segment tapering in diameter but similar to 3rd in color & markings. |
Where is Polybiomyia bellardii found?
Range: TX