Pseudotephritis approximata
This record describes Pseudotephritis approximata (species). Recorded family: Ulidiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Original description (Banks, 1914): Similar to P. vau Say, but larger and marks on the wings different. Head and thorax marked as in P. vau , the same large brown spots, but on thorax the minute brown marks are rather more numerous. On abdomen the third segment is mostly pale, with only minute dark spots, the following segments wholly dark; legs marked as in P. vau . In wings the marks on costa and at tip are black, the others fainter, more yellowish brown; the clouds over cross-veins not connected, that over posterior cross-vein extending toward the cloud below preapical costal spot; and that over the discal cross-vein extending to the middle costal spot, the outer margin of the broad sub-basal cloud is much interrupted at the fourth vein. The posterior cross-vein is as near the outer margin as to the anterior cross-vein. The macrochaetae (large setae ) of head and thorax are as in P. vau . Length, 7.5 mm. From Falls Church, Virginia, July 15.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ne. US (to KS) and adjacent Canada
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudotephritis approximata Banks 1914
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pseudotephritis approximata. 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 Pseudotephritis approximata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudotephritis approximata
What is Pseudotephritis approximata?
Pseudotephritis approximata is a species in the family Ulidiidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Pseudotephritis approximata?
7.5 mm body length (Banks, 1914)
How do you identify Pseudotephritis approximata?
Original description (Banks, 1914): Similar to P. vau Say, but larger and marks on the wings different. Head and thorax marked as in P. vau , the same large brown spots, but on thorax the minute brown marks are rather more numerous. On abdomen the third segment is mostly pale, with only minute dark spots, the following segments wholly dark; legs marked as in P. vau . In wings the marks on costa and at tip are black, the others fainter, more yellowish brown; the clouds over cross-veins not connected, that over posterior cross-vein extending toward the cloud below preapical costal spot; and that over the discal cross-vein extending to the middle costal spot, the outer margin of the broad sub-basal cloud is much interrupted at the fourth vein. The posterior cross-vein is as near the outer margin as to the anterior cross-vein. The macrochaetae (large setae ) of head and thorax are as in P. vau . Length, 7.5 mm. From Falls Church, Virginia, July 15.
Where is Pseudotephritis approximata found?
Range: ne. US (to KS) and adjacent Canada