Senopterina varia
This record describes Senopterina varia (species). Recorded family: Platystomatidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wing markings more extensive than in other North American species, with yellow areas between brown. There is no comprehensive key to or revision of Senopterina . The flies placed on this page are generally similar to S. varia described from Florida. It is possible that some are undescribed or tropical species.
Wikipedia reference for Senopterina varia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senopterina_varia.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Platystomatidae (Signal Flies)
- Genus
- Senopterina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Range listed as Florida in Stone (1965); BugGuide photos include the Southeastern Coastal Plain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Senopterina varia. 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 Senopterina varia (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Senopterina varia
What is Senopterina varia?
Senopterina varia is a species in the family Platystomatidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Senopterina varia?
Wing markings more extensive than in other North American species, with yellow areas between brown.
Where is Senopterina varia found?
Range: Range listed as Florida in Stone (1965); BugGuide photos include the Southeastern Coastal Plain.