Pterodontia notomaculata
This record describes Pterodontia notomaculata (species). Recorded family: Acroceridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is the only known Pterodontia species with substantial yellow-orange coloration on the thorax (at anterior corners of the mesonotum, and on the anterior half of the mesopleura). All other species have almost the entire thorax black.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Acroceridae (Small-headed Flies)
- Genus
- Pterodontia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California, Oregon, Idaho
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The word roots noto = "back" (Greek) and maculata = spotted (Latin). The epithet refers to the two yellow-orange spots at the anterior corners of the scutum, which are diagnostic for this species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pterodontia notomaculata. 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 Pterodontia notomaculata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff