Polydontomyia curvipes
This record describes Polydontomyia curvipes (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
easily recognized by long spur on the metatibia. Tropidia spp. look similar but are more slender and have spots instead of a pure red abdomen. the only representative of the subgen. Polydontomyia Williston 1896 in our area Displays strong sexual dimorphism, with females a brownish-gray color and males with a bright reddish-orange abdomen. Note also the differences in the hind leg (male hind femur is much larger and curved). Males: Females:
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental in NA ( map )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lejops curvipes (Wiedemann 1830)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Polydontomyia curvipes. 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 Polydontomyia curvipes (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Robin McLeod , v belov , kbyers
Frequently Asked Questions About Polydontomyia curvipes
What is Polydontomyia curvipes?
Polydontomyia curvipes is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Polydontomyia curvipes?
easily recognized by long spur on the metatibia. Tropidia spp. look similar but are more slender and have spots instead of a pure red abdomen.
Where is Polydontomyia curvipes found?
Range: transcontinental in NA ( map )