Sierra Wormlion
Vermileo comstocki
This record describes Vermileo comstocki (species). Recorded family: Vermileonidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Vermileo comstocki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermileo_comstocki.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Vermileonidae (Wormlions)
- Genus
- Vermileo (Wormlions)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known from the Sierra Nevada in California (e.g. Sequoia National Park, Yosemite, the Donner Pass area,...)
Seasonal Activity
Adults recorded in July
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Vermileo comstocki. 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 Sierra Wormlion (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Sierra Wormlion
How big is Sierra Wormlion?
Last instar larvae: 12-15 mm Adult ♀ : BL 5.5-6.5 mm; Wing: 5-5.3 mm Adult ♂ : BL 4.5-6 mm; Wing: 4.5-5 mm
Where is Sierra Wormlion found?
Range: Known from the Sierra Nevada in California (e.g. Sequoia National Park, Yosemite, the Donner Pass area,...)
When is Sierra Wormlion active?
Sierra Wormlion: seasonal activity - Adults recorded in July.