Species Information

Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Diptera
        Family: Apioceridae
          Genus: Rhaphiomidas
            Species: painteri

Painter's Mydas Fly - Rhaphiomidas painteri

Painter's Mydas Fly

Image courtesy of Biota Information System of New Mexico

1381561

Species Extent (New Mexico)

Status

Global Rank: GNR

State Rank: S1

Rank Metadata
State Rank: S1 Rank Changed: 04/16/2025
Rank Reviewed: N/A
Reason: <em>Rhaphidiomidas painteri</em> is an understudied species of mydas fly found only in a small area around Las Cruces, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. The extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) in New Mexcio are 272km2 and 12km2 respectively, based on the known occurrences of the species. While the species is under-surveyed in general, it has only been collected once since the 1980s (in 2008) despite its range encompassing two large cities, that are relatively well sampled. The population size and trend are not known for the species, though it was considered relatively common in suitable habitats in the 1980s. Five occurrences are currently considered for this species. The species has not been observed in El Paso or Las Cruces since at least the 1980s, despite high population density, so the species may no longer occur in these areas. Three occurrences in proximity to Las Cruces each constitute one location, as they are likely subject to localized threats, such as habitat instability due to increased drought. A handful of sites near Mesquite, NM are in close enough proximity, that they may be impacted simultaneously by threats such as dune mobility, pesticide use from near by agricultural areas, or development. The site in Anthony also constitutes its own location. Continuing decline in habitat quality is also inferred, due to the aforementioned threats. Therefore, the species is currently considered S1 in New Mexico.
 
Ecological Factors
Specificity: Unknown Range Extent: 100-250 square km (about 40-100 square miles)
Occurences: 1 - 5 Population Size: Unknown
Area of Occupancy: An Area of Occupancy of 12km2 was calculated on GeoCat using all known occurrence records for New Mexico. Threat Summary: N/A

State Status:

Federal Status:

USFS Status:

BLM Status:

SWAP Status: SGCN

NMRP Strategy Status:

Observations in Natural Heritage New Mexico Database

Number of Subpopulations: 8

Number of Mapped Locations: 41

Number of Observations: 0


Species Related Publications

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