Suillia apicalis
This record describes Suillia apicalis (species). Recorded family: Heleomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The only North American species of Suillia with hairs on the mesopleuron (=anepisternum) and with the dorsal hairs of the scutellum restricted to the lateral edges. Also distinguished from the similar-looking S. plumata by the short pubescence of the arista (plumose in plumata ).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sphaeroceroidea
- Family
- Heleomyzidae
- Subfamily
- Suilliinae
- Genus
- Suillia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holarctic, with a distribution in North America from Oregon to Maine and including all of Canada.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae probably develop in fungi like all known Suillia species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Suillia apicalis. 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 Suillia apicalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bennett Grappone; Additional contributions by Chris Angell
Frequently Asked Questions About Suillia apicalis
What is Suillia apicalis?
Suillia apicalis is a species in the family Heleomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Suillia apicalis?
The only North American species of Suillia with hairs on the mesopleuron (=anepisternum) and with the dorsal hairs of the scutellum restricted to the lateral edges. Also distinguished from the similar-looking S. plumata by the short pubescence of the arista (plumose in plumata ).
Where is Suillia apicalis found?
Range: Holarctic, with a distribution in North America from Oregon to Maine and including all of Canada.
What does Suillia apicalis eat?
The diet of the Suillia apicalis includes Larvae probably develop in fungi like all known Suillia species..