Scathophaga intermedia
This record describes Scathophaga intermedia (species). Recorded family: Scathophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Arista bare. Antennae mostly black, often with yellow on pedicel and scape. Presutural acrostichal bristles strong and in two rows. Anepimeron with fine, erect hairs. Wing without infuscations. Femora pollinose, variable in color; tibiae reddish yellow. Male with long, crinkly hairs.
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
Geographic Range
Northern coasts of North America from British Columbia to Massachusetts
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scathophaga intermedia Walker, 1849
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Scathophaga intermedia. 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 intermedia (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Keith Bayless; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , Chris Angell
Frequently Asked Questions About Scathophaga intermedia
What is Scathophaga intermedia?
Scathophaga intermedia is a species in the family Scathophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Scathophaga intermedia?
Arista bare. Antennae mostly black, often with yellow on pedicel and scape. Presutural acrostichal bristles strong and in two rows. Anepimeron with fine, erect hairs. Wing without infuscations. Femora pollinose, variable in color; tibiae reddish yellow. Male with long, crinkly hairs.
Where is Scathophaga intermedia found?
Range: Northern coasts of North America from British Columbia to Massachusetts