Tmemophlebia coquilletti
This record describes Tmemophlebia coquilletti (species). Recorded family: Bombyliidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
face white; top of head pale yellowish; eyes large, brownish-orange; proboscis black, about 2x longer than head, with uniform downward curve; antennae short, spike-like, distal half black, proximal half whitish; top of thorax dome-shaped, light yellowish-green; scutellum slightly paler, greenish-yellow; halteres white; abdomen stout, wider than thorax, tapering to rounded tip; first abdominal segment at least 2x longer than remaining segments, and bearing yellowish-green dorsal band; remaining segments white with dark gray basal band; wings almost clear with whitish veins; legs whitish or pale pink except for dark gray tarsi page creation based on Neal Evenhuis' identification of this image
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Asiloidea
- Family
- Bombyliidae (Bee Flies)
- Subfamily
- Phthiriinae
- Tribe
- Poecilognathini
- Genus
- Tmemophlebia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
sand dunes or other sandy habitats
Geographic Range
much of United States (AZ, CA, ID, IL, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NJ, NM, NY, OK, RI, TX) and southcentral Canada (MB, ON, QC) also occurs in Mexico
Seasonal Activity
adults in summer
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tmemophlebia coquilletti. 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 Tmemophlebia coquilletti (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Tmemophlebia coquilletti
What is Tmemophlebia coquilletti?
Tmemophlebia coquilletti is a species in the family Bombyliidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Tmemophlebia coquilletti?
body length about 3-4 mm, based on photos of this individual
How do you identify Tmemophlebia coquilletti?
face white; top of head pale yellowish; eyes large, brownish-orange; proboscis black, about 2x longer than head, with uniform downward curve; antennae short, spike-like, distal half black, proximal half whitish; top of thorax dome-shaped, light yellowish-green; scutellum slightly paler, greenish-yellow; halteres white; abdomen stout, wider than thorax, tapering to rounded tip; first abdominal segment at least 2x longer than remaining segments, and bearing yellowish-green dorsal band; remaining segments white with dark gray basal band; wings almost clear with whitish veins; legs whitish or pale pink except for dark gray tarsi
Where is Tmemophlebia coquilletti found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | sand dunes or other sandy habitats |
| Range | much of United States (AZ, CA, ID, IL, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, NJ, NM, NY, OK, RI, TX) and southcentral Canada (MB, ON, QC) also occurs in Mexico |
When is Tmemophlebia coquilletti active?
Tmemophlebia coquilletti: seasonal activity - adults in summer.