Sobarocephala lachnosternum
This record describes Sobarocephala lachnosternum (species). Recorded family: Clusiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Sobarocephala lachnosternum is not strikingly different from other Nearctic Sobarocephala . The thorax is yellow, excluding a large quadrate spot on the notopleuron in most specimens. The legs are only brown on the fore tarsi. Males can be identified by the large size of the barrel-shaped epandrium. Females can be identified by their abdominal pattern (tergites 3, 4 and 6 are largely or entirely brown and tergite 5 has a narrow central stripe).
Wikipedia reference for Sobarocephala lachnosternum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sobarocephala_lachnosternum.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Has been found at marsh edges, in sedges, in grass under Betula and Populus, in hemlock/hardwood, boreal mixedwood and Acer/Betula forests.
Geographic Range
This species is found with relative frequency throughout much of northeastern North America, but specimens have also been collected in Saskatchewan, Utah and Texas, suggesting that we know little about the western distribution of this species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sobarocephala lachnosternum. 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 Sobarocephala lachnosternum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich
Frequently Asked Questions About Sobarocephala lachnosternum
What is Sobarocephala lachnosternum?
Sobarocephala lachnosternum is a species in the family Clusiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Sobarocephala lachnosternum?
Sobarocephala lachnosternum is not strikingly different from other Nearctic Sobarocephala . The thorax is yellow, excluding a large quadrate spot on the notopleuron in most specimens. The legs are only brown on the fore tarsi. Males can be identified by the large size of the barrel-shaped epandrium. Females can be identified by their abdominal pattern (tergites 3, 4 and 6 are largely or entirely brown and tergite 5 has a narrow central stripe).
Where is Sobarocephala lachnosternum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Has been found at marsh edges, in sedges, in grass under Betula and Populus, in hemlock/hardwood, boreal mixedwood and Acer/Betula forests. |
| Range | This species is found with relative frequency throughout much of northeastern North America, but specimens have also been collected in Saskatchewan, Utah and Texas, suggesting that we know little about the western distribution of this species. |