Sylvicola alternatus
This record describes Sylvicola alternatus (species). Recorded family: Anisopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Crossvein between M2 and M3 (closing discal cell) distinctly after fork of M1 and M2. Pale spot near wing tip white with sharp boundary. Male holoptic. Median dark stripe on thorax (usually?) divided.
Wikipedia reference for Sylvicola alternatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvicola_alternatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Anisopodidae (Wood Gnats)
- Subfamily
- Anisopodinae
- Genus
- Sylvicola
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Most of US and southern Canada
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sylvicola alternatus. 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 Sylvicola alternatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by cotinis , Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Sylvicola alternatus
What is Sylvicola alternatus?
Sylvicola alternatus is a species in the family Anisopodidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Sylvicola alternatus?
Crossvein between M2 and M3 (closing discal cell) distinctly after fork of M1 and M2. Pale spot near wing tip white with sharp boundary. Male holoptic. Median dark stripe on thorax (usually?) divided.
Where is Sylvicola alternatus found?
Range: Most of US and southern Canada