Western Pond Fly
Sericomyia chalcopyga
This record describes Sericomyia chalcopyga (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
similar to S. chrysotoxoides : both have three yellow bands separated in the middle (not broadened at tips) and bristles along edge of thorax opposite wing base that are extensively black; the yellow bands are straight in S. chalcopyga vs angled in S. chrysotoxoides the most common species of Sericomyia in the West -- Jeff Skevington's comment An undescribed species may be misidentified as this species. Only males of the two species are distinguishable, with the male of the undescribed species having a thickened hind femur akin to Sericomyia militaris . It is rare with only five males known.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. NA (AK-CA to sw.SK-UT)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sericomyia chalcopyga Loew 1863
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sericomyia chalcopyga. 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 Western Pond Fly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by v belov , Harsi S. Parker , Kevin Moran , zdanko
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Pond Fly
What is Western Pond Fly?
Western Pond Fly (Sericomyia chalcopyga) is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Western Pond Fly?
similar to S. chrysotoxoides : both have three yellow bands separated in the middle (not broadened at tips) and bristles along edge of thorax opposite wing base that are extensively black; the yellow bands are straight in S. chalcopyga vs angled in S. chrysotoxoides
Where is Western Pond Fly found?
Range: w. NA (AK-CA to sw.SK-UT)