Thevenetimyia muricata
This record describes Thevenetimyia muricata (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance

| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Both sexes entirely black, large. |
| Wings | Wings infuscated with brown, middle of cells subhyaline. Costa strongly denticulate. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen shining black, black pilose, tomentum wanting. Male is very similar to T. notata male (the latter has white pile on occiput and abdomen) |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Ecliminae
- Genus
- Thevenetimyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
High elevation pine-fir association
Geographic Range
w. NA (BC-CA-CO)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Thevenetimyia muricata (Osten Sacken 1877)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Thevenetimyia muricata. 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 Thevenetimyia muricata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Thevenetimyia muricata
What is Thevenetimyia muricata?
Thevenetimyia muricata is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Thevenetimyia muricata?
up to 17 mm BL
How do you identify Thevenetimyia muricata?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Both sexes entirely black, large. |
| Wings | Wings infuscated with brown, middle of cells subhyaline. Costa strongly denticulate. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen shining black, black pilose, tomentum wanting. Male is very similar to T. notata male (the latter has white pile on occiput and abdomen) |
Where is Thevenetimyia muricata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | High elevation pine-fir association |
| Range | w. NA (BC-CA-CO) |
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