Trichopoda elongata
This record describes Trichopoda elongata (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Face slightly receding (not receding in most Trichopoda ), postpedicel at least twice as long as combined basal segments of antenna (shorter in most Trichopoda ), male abdomen entirely and female abdomen mostly red, crossvein dm-cu very sinuous.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Phasiinae
- Tribe
- Gymnosomatini
- Genus
- Trichopoda (Feather-legged Flies)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Central America, Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The antenna and abdomen are elongate.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Trichopoda elongata. 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 Trichopoda elongata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Trichopoda elongata
What is Trichopoda elongata?
Trichopoda elongata is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Trichopoda elongata?
Face slightly receding (not receding in most Trichopoda ), postpedicel at least twice as long as combined basal segments of antenna (shorter in most Trichopoda ), male abdomen entirely and female abdomen mostly red, crossvein dm-cu very sinuous.
Where is Trichopoda elongata found?
Range: Central America, Mexico