Spallanzania hebes
This record describes Spallanzania hebes (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The two species of Spallanzania in Canada, S. hebes and S. hesperidarum , are readily distinguished from one another by features of the head. Spallanzania hebes has parafacial with scattered hairs, the width of parafacial is three times that of the first flagellomere in both sexes, and facial ridge is only slightly haired (bearing decumbent, fine hairs). Spallanzania hesperidarum has parafacial with two rows of hairs, the width of parafacial is twice that of the first flagellomere in both sexes, and facial ridge has erect hairs usually on 112 or more of its length. (O'Hara, 1999)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Exoristinae
- Tribe
- Goniini
- Genus
- Spallanzania
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread in North America; also in the Palearctic region
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Spallanzania hebes. 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 Spallanzania hebes (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Spallanzania hebes
What is Spallanzania hebes?
Spallanzania hebes is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Spallanzania hebes?
The two species of Spallanzania in Canada, S. hebes and S. hesperidarum , are readily distinguished from one another by features of the head. Spallanzania hebes has parafacial with scattered hairs, the width of parafacial is three times that of the first flagellomere in both sexes, and facial ridge is only slightly haired (bearing decumbent, fine hairs). Spallanzania hesperidarum has parafacial with two rows of hairs, the width of parafacial is twice that of the first flagellomere in both sexes, and facial ridge has erect hairs usually on 112 or more of its length. (O'Hara, 1999)
Where is Spallanzania hebes found?
Range: Widespread in North America; also in the Palearctic region