Ablabesmyia mallochi
This record describes Ablabesmyia mallochi (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
In the Southeast, the 5-segmented maxillary palpus of the mature larva distinguishes this species from other Ablabesmyia .
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
"A very common and widespread species in lotic habitats throughout the eastern US."
Geographic Range
Widespread in North America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for entomologist John Russell Malloch.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ablabesmyia mallochi. 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 mallochi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Ablabesmyia mallochi
What is Ablabesmyia mallochi?
Ablabesmyia mallochi is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Ablabesmyia mallochi?
In the Southeast, the 5-segmented maxillary palpus of the mature larva distinguishes this species from other Ablabesmyia .
Where is Ablabesmyia mallochi found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | A very common and widespread species in lotic habitats throughout the eastern US. |
| Range | Widespread in North America |