Sphyracephala brevicornis
This record describes Sphyracephala brevicornis (species). Recorded family: Diopsidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Sphyracephala brevicornis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphyracephala_brevicornis.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on rocks, etc., near bodies of water and around such plants as skunk cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus
Geographic Range
Northeastern United States south to North Carolina, Kansas, Missouri
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae in decaying vegetation . Overwinters as adults, found on skunk cabbage, etc. in spring and fall
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphyracephala brevicornis ( Say 1817)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sphyracephala brevicornis. 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 Sphyracephala brevicornis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Keith Bayless; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphyracephala brevicornis
How big is Sphyracephala brevicornis?
~4 mm
Where is Sphyracephala brevicornis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found on rocks, etc., near bodies of water and around such plants as skunk cabbage, Symplocarpus foetidus |
| Range | Northeastern United States south to North Carolina, Kansas, Missouri |
What is the life cycle of a Sphyracephala brevicornis?
Larvae in decaying vegetation . Overwinters as adults, found on skunk cabbage, etc. in spring and fall