Sparnopolius confusus
This record describes Sparnopolius confusus (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Yellowish, slightly hump-backed, with short pile on broad, flat abdomen. |
| Wings | Wings clear. Proboscis long, but not greatly extended as in some other genera, protruding only somewhat more than antennae. |
| Antennae | Antennae with third segment tapered. Middle and hind tibiae with rows of large bristles. (Description applies to genus Sparnopolius --S. confusus is the only species widespread in eastern North America.) Wing venation: See also comments on images, especially Neal Evenhuis' identification of this image . |
Wikipedia reference for Sparnopolius confusus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sparnopolius_confusus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Bombyliinae
- Tribe
- Conophorini
- Genus
- Sparnopolius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
most of United States plus Ontario also occurs in Mexico
Seasonal Activity
Ontario: late July-September ; North Carolina: September-November
Diet and Behavior
Life History
reported to be a parasitoid of June Beetles, Phyllophaga
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sparnopolius confusus. 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 Sparnopolius confusus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Sparnopolius confusus
What is Sparnopolius confusus?
Sparnopolius confusus is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Sparnopolius confusus?
6-9 mm
How do you identify Sparnopolius confusus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Yellowish, slightly hump-backed, with short pile on broad, flat abdomen. |
| Wings | Wings clear. Proboscis long, but not greatly extended as in some other genera, protruding only somewhat more than antennae. |
| Antennae | Antennae with third segment tapered. Middle and hind tibiae with rows of large bristles. (Description applies to genus Sparnopolius --S. confusus is the only species widespread in eastern North America.) Wing venation: See also comments on images, especially Neal Evenhuis' identification of this image . |
Where is Sparnopolius confusus found?
Range: most of United States plus Ontario also occurs in Mexico
When is Sparnopolius confusus active?
Sparnopolius confusus: seasonal activity - Ontario: late July-September ; North Carolina: September-November.
What is the life cycle of a Sparnopolius confusus?
reported to be a parasitoid of June Beetles, Phyllophaga