Probezzia pallida
This record describes Probezzia pallida (species). Recorded family: Ceratopogonidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Female is the palest North American Probezzia . See key linked from genus page.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Ceratopogonidae (Biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Ceratopogoninae
- Tribe
- Sphaeromiini
- Genus
- Probezzia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"This species has been reared numerous times from the margins of medium size to large streams." -- Wirth and Grogan 1979
Geographic Range
Eastern USA, west to Arizona
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Probezzia pallida. 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 Probezzia pallida (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Probezzia pallida
What is Probezzia pallida?
Probezzia pallida is a species in the family Ceratopogonidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Probezzia pallida?
Female 2.8 mm, male smaller
How do you identify Probezzia pallida?
Female is the palest North American Probezzia . See key linked from genus page.
Where is Probezzia pallida found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | This species has been reared numerous times from the margins of medium size to large streams. -- Wirth and Grogan 1979 |
| Range | Eastern USA, west to Arizona |