Polybiomyia macquarti
This record describes Polybiomyia macquarti (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The trapezoidal shape of the yellow prescutellar markings are a significant diagnostic for this species. Shannon described them as A large trapezoidal spot, or a pair of parallel spots, and he mentioned that in his two male specimens the spots were divided (i.e two parallel spots), whereas in the female type specimen they were united as a single spot. But images of females on BugGuide (e.g. here ) and elsewhere (e.g. here ) indicate they too can have the prescutellar spots divided.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
so. TX; Mexico
Seasonal Activity
late Jun to late Aug
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Polybiomyia macquarti. 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 macquarti (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Polybiomyia macquarti
What is Polybiomyia macquarti?
Polybiomyia macquarti is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Polybiomyia macquarti found?
Range: so. TX; Mexico
When is Polybiomyia macquarti active?
Polybiomyia macquarti: seasonal activity - late Jun to late Aug.