Trixoscelis albibasis
This record describes Trixoscelis albibasis (species). Recorded family: Heleomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species can be readily distinguished from T. ornata and T. punctipennis by the light gray band from the fourth pair of dorsocentral setae to the second tergite of the abdomen. (Foster and Mathis 2012)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sphaeroceroidea
- Family
- Heleomyzidae
- Subfamily
- Suilliinae
- Genus
- Trixoscelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southwest: Published records from New Mexico, Sonora, and Baja California, BugGuide photos from Arizona and California.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The base of the wing is white, without the dark markings present in similar species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Trixoscelis albibasis. 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 Trixoscelis albibasis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Trixoscelis albibasis
What is Trixoscelis albibasis?
Trixoscelis albibasis is a species in the family Heleomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Trixoscelis albibasis?
This species can be readily distinguished from T. ornata and T. punctipennis by the light gray band from the fourth pair of dorsocentral setae to the second tergite of the abdomen. (Foster and Mathis 2012)
Where is Trixoscelis albibasis found?
Range: Southwest: Published records from New Mexico, Sonora, and Baja California, BugGuide photos from Arizona and California.