Rivellia vaga
This record describes Rivellia vaga (species). Recorded family: Platystomatidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
fourth band usually narrowly joined to third band at costal margin Both sexes with thorax and abdominal tergites sometimes brown; tarsi of front legs sometimes wholly yellow; fourth band sometimes separated from third band at costal margin. Abdomen of males usually with first three tergites, sometimes fourth also, brownish yellow or yellowish brown; in females usually unicolorous, dark brown or black.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Platystomatidae (Signal Flies)
- Genus
- Rivellia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rivellia vaga Namba 1956
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rivellia vaga. 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 Rivellia vaga (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Rivellia vaga
What is Rivellia vaga?
Rivellia vaga is a species in the family Platystomatidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Rivellia vaga?
Body length of males 2.5-3.7 mm Body length of females 2.7-3.2 mm
How do you identify Rivellia vaga?
fourth band usually narrowly joined to third band at costal margin Both sexes with thorax and abdominal tergites sometimes brown; tarsi of front legs sometimes wholly yellow; fourth band sometimes separated from third band at costal margin. Abdomen of males usually with first three tergites, sometimes fourth also, brownish yellow or yellowish brown; in females usually unicolorous, dark brown or black.
Where is Rivellia vaga found?
Range: e US