Ptecticus sackenii
This record describes Ptecticus sackenii (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | See comments on images here, and original description (Williston, 1885): (female) Length 11 mm. Front narrow, shining black, the lower part and the face yellowish white. |
| Thorax | Thorax yellow, the dorsum with three broad, more brownish, stripes. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen reddish yellow, the second, third and fourth segments with a black fascia, acute at each end and not reaching the lateral margin. |
| Legs | Legs yellow, the hind tibiae brownish, becoming black at distal end, hind metatarsi black, the following joints nearly white, last three joints of front tarsi blackish, of middle tarsi brownish, the third joint of all these tarsi less dark. |
| Wings | Wings hyaline, with a light yellowish tinge. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Stratiomyidae (Soldier flies)
- Subfamily
- Sarginae
- Genus
- Ptecticus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
North Carolina: July, September
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ptecticus sackenii Williston 1885
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ptecticus sackenii. 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 Ptecticus sackenii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Ptecticus sackenii
What is Ptecticus sackenii?
Ptecticus sackenii is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Ptecticus sackenii?
circa 11-13 mm body length (Williston, 1885; guide image )
How do you identify Ptecticus sackenii?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | See comments on images here, and original description (Williston, 1885): (female) Length 11 mm. Front narrow, shining black, the lower part and the face yellowish white. |
| Thorax | Thorax yellow, the dorsum with three broad, more brownish, stripes. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen reddish yellow, the second, third and fourth segments with a black fascia, acute at each end and not reaching the lateral margin. |
| Legs | Legs yellow, the hind tibiae brownish, becoming black at distal end, hind metatarsi black, the following joints nearly white, last three joints of front tarsi blackish, of middle tarsi brownish, the third joint of all these tarsi less dark. |
| Wings | Wings hyaline, with a light yellowish tinge. |
When is Ptecticus sackenii active?
Ptecticus sackenii: seasonal activity - North Carolina: July, September.