Promachus bastardii
This record describes Promachus bastardii (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to P. fitchii . Males have distinctive white tip on abdomen and white bands on thorax
Wikipedia reference for Promachus bastardii: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promachus_bastardii.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ME-FL to MT-TX
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Jul in NC ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predatory, especially on Hymenoptera
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Promachus bastardii (Macquart 1838)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Promachus bastardii. 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 Promachus bastardii (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Promachus bastardii
What is Promachus bastardii?
Promachus bastardii is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Promachus bastardii?
Similar to P. fitchii . Males have distinctive white tip on abdomen and white bands on thorax
Where is Promachus bastardii found?
Range: ME-FL to MT-TX
What does Promachus bastardii eat?
The diet of the Promachus bastardii includes Predatory, especially on Hymenoptera.
When is Promachus bastardii active?
Promachus bastardii: seasonal activity - Jun-Jul in NC ( 3 ).