DipteraBombyliidae – Bee Flies

Thevenetimyia muricata

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

Identification and Appearance

Thevenetimyia muricata - Thevenetimyia muricata
Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by v belov
FeatureDescription
Additional detailsBoth sexes entirely black, large.
WingsWings infuscated with brown, middle of cells subhyaline. Costa strongly denticulate.
AbdomenAbdomen 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.

Explore Diptera families and species →

Photos of Thevenetimyia muricata (5)

Thevenetimyia muricata - photo 1
Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by v belov
Thevenetimyia muricata - photo 2
Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by v belov
Thevenetimyia muricata - photo 3
Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by v belov
Thevenetimyia muricata - photo 4
Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by v belov
Thevenetimyia muricata - photo 5
Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by v belov

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?
FeatureDescription
Additional detailsBoth sexes entirely black, large.
WingsWings infuscated with brown, middle of cells subhyaline. Costa strongly denticulate.
AbdomenAbdomen 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?
FeatureDetails
HabitatHigh elevation pine-fir association
Rangew. NA (BC-CA-CO)

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.