Scaptomyza pallida
This record describes Scaptomyza pallida (species). Recorded family: Drosophilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species has a grey and a yellow color form. If using the key in Wheeler , this species keys to S. graminum (Fall.)
Wikipedia reference for Scaptomyza pallida: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scaptomyza_pallida.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Ephydroidea
- Family
- Drosophilidae (Vinegar Flies)
- Subfamily
- Drosophilinae
- Genus
- Scaptomyza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Cosmopolitan, including Europe and all of United States.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Saprophagous.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Scaptomyza pallida. 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 Scaptomyza pallida (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Scaptomyza pallida
What is Scaptomyza pallida?
Scaptomyza pallida is a species in the family Drosophilidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Scaptomyza pallida?
This species has a grey and a yellow color form. If using the key in Wheeler , this species keys to S. graminum (Fall.)
Where is Scaptomyza pallida found?
Range: Cosmopolitan, including Europe and all of United States.
What does Scaptomyza pallida eat?
The diet of the Scaptomyza pallida includes Saprophagous..