Spathidexia dunningii
This record describes Spathidexia dunningii (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The most shiny black species of the genus Spathidexia . The only host record is the skipper Ochlodes yuma , a species limited to the Southwest. Given the wide range of the fly it must have other hosts. O'Hara (2025) writes DNA barcoding of 16 CNC specimens of ' S. dunningii ' separates these into three BINS, suggesting that S. dunningii is an unresolved species complex.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Dexiinae
- Tribe
- Voriini
- Genus
- Spathidexia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread in North America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for Mr. Ralph Dunning, who collected some of the type specimens.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Spathidexia dunningii. 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 Spathidexia dunningii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Spathidexia dunningii
What is Spathidexia dunningii?
Spathidexia dunningii is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Spathidexia dunningii?
The most shiny black species of the genus Spathidexia .
Where is Spathidexia dunningii found?
Range: Widespread in North America