Rachicerus obscuripennis
This record describes Rachicerus obscuripennis (species). Recorded family: Xylophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
our only species with pectinate flagellomeres
Wikipedia reference for Rachicerus obscuripennis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachicerus_obscuripennis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Xylophagidae
- Genus
- Rachicerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (NY-FL to MN-KS)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rachicerus obscuripennis Loew 1863
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rachicerus obscuripennis. 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 Rachicerus obscuripennis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rachicerus obscuripennis
What is Rachicerus obscuripennis?
Rachicerus obscuripennis is a species in the family Xylophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Rachicerus obscuripennis?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | 6.5-8 mm |
| Female | 8-12 mm (Leonard, 1930) |
How do you identify Rachicerus obscuripennis?
our only species with pectinate flagellomeres
Where is Rachicerus obscuripennis found?
Range: e. US (NY-FL to MN-KS)