Probezzia seminigra
This record describes Probezzia seminigra (species). Recorded family: Ceratopogonidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Keyed out in Wirth's 1994 key by having a fully pale wing with whitish veins, scutum entirely dark, abdomen and halteres entirely pale, hind tibia with a broad sub-basal dark region and a narrowly dark apex, fore femur only dark on extreme apex, and fore + mid tibiae only dark at extreme base and apex.
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
Geographic Range
Northwestern North America + Europe
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Probezzia seminigra. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probezzia seminigra
What is Probezzia seminigra?
Probezzia seminigra is a species in the family Ceratopogonidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Probezzia seminigra?
Keyed out in Wirth's 1994 key by having a fully pale wing with whitish veins, scutum entirely dark, abdomen and halteres entirely pale, hind tibia with a broad sub-basal dark region and a narrowly dark apex, fore femur only dark on extreme apex, and fore + mid tibiae only dark at extreme base and apex.
Where is Probezzia seminigra found?
Range: Northwestern North America + Europe