Schizomyia macrofila
This record describes Schizomyia macrofila (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Cecidomyiinae
- Tribe
- Asphondyliini
- Genus
- Schizomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Amsinckia spp.
Life History
Adults emerge in spring and insert eggs in plant tissue. One to six larvae develop rapidly in each 3-15 mm gall and drop to the soil when full-grown. There is one generation per year.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Schizomyia macrofila. 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 Schizomyia macrofila (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Schizomyia macrofila
Where is Schizomyia macrofila found?
Range: California
What does Schizomyia macrofila eat?
The diet of the Schizomyia macrofila includes Amsinckia spp..
What is the life cycle of a Schizomyia macrofila?
Adults emerge in spring and insert eggs in plant tissue. One to six larvae develop rapidly in each 3-15 mm gall and drop to the soil when full-grown. There is one generation per year.