Psilopa loewi
This record describes Psilopa loewi (species). Recorded family: Ephydridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black, halteres white, wings tinted yellow with very small black area at base, antennae yellowish with flagellomere partly dark, tarsi white with strongly contrasting dark fifth tarsomere.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Ephydroidea
- Family
- Ephydridae (Shore Flies)
- Subfamily
- Discomyzinae
- Genus
- Psilopa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Atlantic Coast from Georgia to Massachusetts
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "to reognize the pioneering research and publications of Hermann Loew on North American Ephydridae"
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Psilopa loewi. 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 Psilopa loewi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Psilopa loewi
What is Psilopa loewi?
Psilopa loewi is a species in the family Ephydridae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Psilopa loewi?
Black, halteres white, wings tinted yellow with very small black area at base, antennae yellowish with flagellomere partly dark, tarsi white with strongly contrasting dark fifth tarsomere.
Where is Psilopa loewi found?
Range: Atlantic Coast from Georgia to Massachusetts