Scellus virago
This record describes Scellus virago (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Aldrich's original 1907 description can be read at this BHL link . The cingulum is a distinctive structure associated with male Scellus . It is a U-shaped structure that girdles the underside of the abdomen (hidden there beneath the 4th sternite), and then emerges externally from between the 4th & 5th tergites as a pair of lateral, ribbon-like (or in some species filiform) appendages called signum (plural: signa). The cingulum is discussed on the 2nd page of this PDF by Justin Runyon , and in the post below:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Empidoidea
- Family
- Dolichopodidae (Longlegged Flies)
- Subfamily
- Hydrophorinae
- Genus
- Scellus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often found in salt and alkali flats.
Geographic Range
Western USA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "Female warrior"; females take the lead in courtship.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Scellus virago. 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 Scellus virago (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Scellus virago
What is Scellus virago?
Scellus virago is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Scellus virago?
Aldrich's original 1907 description can be read at this BHL link .
Where is Scellus virago found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Often found in salt and alkali flats. |
| Range | Western USA |