Rachispoda spuleri
This record describes Rachispoda spuleri (species). Recorded family: Sphaeroceridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Three dorsocentral bristles in addition to the incurved one (most other species with at least a weak fourth), no stong acrostichals but about 8 rows of weak hairs, third segment of antenna reddish, scutum with at least faint stripes when viewed from behind.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sphaeroceroidea
- Family
- Sphaeroceridae (Lesser Dung Flies)
- Subfamily
- Limosininae
- Genus
- Rachispoda
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA, Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for Anthony Spuler, who reviewed the group of species now called Rachispoda in 1924.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rachispoda spuleri. 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 Rachispoda spuleri (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Rachispoda spuleri
What is Rachispoda spuleri?
Rachispoda spuleri is a species in the family Sphaeroceridae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Rachispoda spuleri?
Three dorsocentral bristles in addition to the incurved one (most other species with at least a weak fourth), no stong acrostichals but about 8 rows of weak hairs, third segment of antenna reddish, scutum with at least faint stripes when viewed from behind.
Where is Rachispoda spuleri found?
Range: Eastern USA, Mexico