Bald-faced Hornet Fly
Spilomyia fusca
This record describes Spilomyia fusca (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Second tergite entirely black, eyes pale, with dark spots and vertical bands
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA (NS-MN to GA)
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Sep in ON
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Spilomyia fusca Loew, 1864
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Spilomyia fusca. 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 Bald-faced Hornet Fly (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Troy Bartlett; Additional contributions by cotinis , Hannah Nendick-Mason , Tom Bentley , Robin McLeod , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Bald-faced Hornet Fly
What is Bald-faced Hornet Fly?
Bald-faced Hornet Fly (Spilomyia fusca) is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Bald-faced Hornet Fly?
16-19 mm
How do you identify Bald-faced Hornet Fly?
Second tergite entirely black, eyes pale, with dark spots and vertical bands
Where is Bald-faced Hornet Fly found?
Range: e. NA (NS-MN to GA)
When is Bald-faced Hornet Fly active?
Bald-faced Hornet Fly: seasonal activity - Jun-Sep in ON.