Scleropogon floridensis
This record describes Scleropogon floridensis (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Posterior cell 1/cell R5 of wings open at margin; wings brownish; posterior cell 4/cell CuA1 closed and shortly petiolate or at most narrowly open; fore femora ventrally with 6-8 bristles; mesonotum blackish, humeri reddish; femora black, apical fourth of fore and middle pairs reddish; dorsum of tergites 2-5 reddish; upper half of male mystax black, female mystax all yellowish; antennae and its hairs black .
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL
Seasonal Activity
Fall, most commonly collected in August.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scleropogon floridensis Bromley
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Scleropogon floridensis. 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 Scleropogon floridensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Scleropogon floridensis
What is Scleropogon floridensis?
Scleropogon floridensis is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Scleropogon floridensis?
18-25 mm
How do you identify Scleropogon floridensis?
Posterior cell 1/cell R5 of wings open at margin; wings brownish; posterior cell 4/cell CuA1 closed and shortly petiolate or at most narrowly open; fore femora ventrally with 6-8 bristles; mesonotum blackish, humeri reddish; femora black, apical fourth of fore and middle pairs reddish; dorsum of tergites 2-5 reddish; upper half of male mystax black, female mystax all yellowish; antennae and its hairs black .
Where is Scleropogon floridensis found?
Range: FL
When is Scleropogon floridensis active?
Scleropogon floridensis: seasonal activity - Fall, most commonly collected in August..