Ablabesmyia cinctipes
This record describes Ablabesmyia cinctipes (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The only Ablabesmyia with more than three dark bands on front tibia. Type Locality: Miami, Florida, XII:19, 1912. F. Knab, collector.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Chironomidae (Non-biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Tanypodinae
- Tribe
- Pentaneurini
- Genus
- Ablabesmyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"[Caldwell] found larvae living in a shallow, well-water fed pond with a high pH (7.6-8.8) and conductivity (410-494 μmhos/cm @ 25°C), the highest values published for an Ablabesmyia sp. However, larvae have been collected in Florida from an excavated pond with a conductivity value of 3465 μmhos."
Geographic Range
se US (TX, OK, AL, FL, Carolinas) - Map (BG, GBIF)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: cinctipes - 'banded feet,' in reference to the extra dark stripes on the front leg compared to related species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ablabesmyia cinctipes. 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 Ablabesmyia cinctipes (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Ablabesmyia cinctipes
What is Ablabesmyia cinctipes?
Ablabesmyia cinctipes is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Ablabesmyia cinctipes?
Length 2.8 mm (Type)
How do you identify Ablabesmyia cinctipes?
The only Ablabesmyia with more than three dark bands on front tibia.
Where is Ablabesmyia cinctipes found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | [Caldwell] found larvae living in a shallow, well-water fed pond with a high pH (7.6-8.8) and conductivity (410-494 μmhos/cm @ 25°C), the highest values published for an Ablabesmyia sp. However, larvae have been collected in Florida from an excavated pond with a conductivity value of 3465 μmhos. |
| Range | se US (TX, OK, AL, FL, Carolinas) - Map (BG, GBIF) |