Rhamphomyia crassirostris
This record describes Rhamphomyia crassirostris (species). Recorded family: Empididae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 5.5 to 6.5mm. This species has a fairly typical Empid form but the legs are not very strongly bristled. The female discal cell is a useful id aid, being enormously enlarged but still closed with the lower crossvein closing the cell near to and parallel with the wing edge. Eyes widely separated in both sexes, all legs completely black. Base colour grey with the four stripes on the being thorax dark and distinct and running between the rows of bristles. Common. Often abundant in spring when it forms mating swarms that vary from 5-6 to 1000's of individuals No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Rhamphomyia crassirostris: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhamphomyia_crassirostris.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Near to streams
Seasonal Activity
Late April to the end of June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common. Often abundant in spring when it forms mating swarms that vary from 5-6 to 1000's of individuals
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rhamphomyia crassirostris. 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 Rhamphomyia crassirostris (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhamphomyia crassirostris
What is Rhamphomyia crassirostris?
Rhamphomyia crassirostris is a species in the family Empididae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Rhamphomyia crassirostris?
5.5 to 6.5mm. This species has a fairly typical Empid form but the legs are not very strongly bristled. The female discal cell is a useful id aid, being enormously enlarged but still closed with the lower crossvein closing the cell near to and parallel with the wing edge. Eyes widely separated in both sexes, all legs completely black. Base colour grey with the four stripes on the being thorax dark and distinct and running between the rows of bristles.
Where is Rhamphomyia crassirostris found?
Habitat: Near to streams
When is Rhamphomyia crassirostris active?
Rhamphomyia crassirostris: seasonal activity - Late April to the end of June..