Valentibulla steyskali
This record describes Valentibulla steyskali (species). Recorded family: Tephritidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
At least posterior half of scutum shining black, R2+3 bent sharply forward.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Tephritidae (Fruit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tephritinae
- Tribe
- Dithrycini
- Genus
- Valentibulla
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Idaho and adjacent Washington with BugGuide record from Nevada
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae form galls in Chrysothamnus nauseosus (= Ericameria nauseosa )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Valentibulla steyskali Foote 1977
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Valentibulla steyskali. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Valentibulla steyskali
What is Valentibulla steyskali?
Valentibulla steyskali is a species in the family Tephritidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Valentibulla steyskali?
At least posterior half of scutum shining black, R2+3 bent sharply forward.
Where is Valentibulla steyskali found?
Range: Idaho and adjacent Washington with BugGuide record from Nevada
What does Valentibulla steyskali eat?
The diet of the Valentibulla steyskali includes Larvae form galls in Chrysothamnus nauseosus (= Ericameria nauseosa ).