Scathophaga frigida
This record describes Scathophaga frigida (species). Recorded family: Scathophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The only Scathophaga in the guide's area with both hairs on the Pteropleuron and a few long, very fine, translucent hairs on the upper border of the hypopleuron, near the posterior thoracic spiracle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Scathophagidae (Dung Flies)
- Subfamily
- Scathophaginae
- Genus
- Scathophaga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Kelp and seaweed wrack on beaches.
Geographic Range
Pacific coast, from Alaska to Baja California.
Seasonal Activity
Records of adults throughout the entire year.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Scathophaga frigida. 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 Scathophaga frigida (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bennett Grappone
Frequently Asked Questions About Scathophaga frigida
What is Scathophaga frigida?
Scathophaga frigida is a species in the family Scathophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Scathophaga frigida?
5-10 mm
How do you identify Scathophaga frigida?
The only Scathophaga in the guide's area with both hairs on the Pteropleuron and a few long, very fine, translucent hairs on the upper border of the hypopleuron, near the posterior thoracic spiracle.
Where is Scathophaga frigida found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Kelp and seaweed wrack on beaches. |
| Range | Pacific coast, from Alaska to Baja California. |
When is Scathophaga frigida active?
Scathophaga frigida: seasonal activity - Records of adults throughout the entire year..