Temnostoma trifasciatum
This record describes Temnostoma trifasciatum (species). Recorded family: Syrphidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Key characters for this species: metasternum hairy, abdominal segments 2-4 with only one yellow stripe, face not tuberculate, middle & hind femora yellowish, last abdominal segment with mostly black hairs beyond the yellow stripe, and yellow stripes broader than apex of hind tibia.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA: MN to QC, south to TN & FL
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Temnostoma trifasciatum Robertson 1901
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Temnostoma trifasciatum. 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 trifasciatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Temnostoma trifasciatum
What is Temnostoma trifasciatum?
Temnostoma trifasciatum is a species in the family Syrphidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Temnostoma trifasciatum?
Key characters for this species: metasternum hairy, abdominal segments 2-4 with only one yellow stripe, face not tuberculate, middle & hind femora yellowish, last abdominal segment with mostly black hairs beyond the yellow stripe, and yellow stripes broader than apex of hind tibia.
Where is Temnostoma trifasciatum found?
Range: e. NA: MN to QC, south to TN & FL