Temnostoma excentrica
This record describes Temnostoma excentrica (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The species has two morphs which may prove to be distinct species with genetic analysis. A grey morph which is transcontinental and a yellow morph found in the Appalachian mountains.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often found in forests. Larvae live in decaying wood.
Geographic Range
Transcontinental. Found from Alaska East to New Brunswick. Then the species follows the Appalachian Mountains South to Georgia. Also found in Rocky Mountain states bordering the Great Plains. The species is found in Washington but does not make it farther South along the Pacific Coast.
Seasonal Activity
Summer, Fall
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Temnostoma excentrica (Harris 1862)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Temnostoma excentrica. 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 Temnostoma excentrica (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , v belov , Kevin Moran
Frequently Asked Questions About Temnostoma excentrica
What is Temnostoma excentrica?
Temnostoma excentrica is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Temnostoma excentrica?
The species has two morphs which may prove to be distinct species with genetic analysis. A grey morph which is transcontinental and a yellow morph found in the Appalachian mountains.
Where is Temnostoma excentrica found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Often found in forests. Larvae live in decaying wood. |
| Range | Transcontinental. Found from Alaska East to New Brunswick. Then the species follows the Appalachian Mountains South to Georgia. Also found in Rocky Mountain states bordering the Great Plains. The species is found in Washington but does not make it farther South along the Pacific Coast. |
When is Temnostoma excentrica active?
Temnostoma excentrica: seasonal activity - Summer, Fall.