Acantholeria moscowa
This record describes Acantholeria moscowa (species). Recorded family: Heleomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male with a slight ventral swelling on hind tibia and 12-20 stout spines on posteroventral surface of hind femur. Dorsocentral bristles arising from distinct brown spots.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sphaeroceroidea
- Family
- Heleomyzidae
- Subfamily
- Heleomyzinae
- Tribe
- Heleomyzini
- Genus
- Acantholeria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The type series was collected in a cave.
Geographic Range
Idaho
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acantholeria moscowa Garrett, 1925
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Acantholeria moscowa. 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 Acantholeria moscowa (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chris Angell
Frequently Asked Questions About Acantholeria moscowa
What is Acantholeria moscowa?
Acantholeria moscowa is a species in the family Heleomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Acantholeria moscowa?
Male with a slight ventral swelling on hind tibia and 12-20 stout spines on posteroventral surface of hind femur. Dorsocentral bristles arising from distinct brown spots.
Where is Acantholeria moscowa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | The type series was collected in a cave. |
| Range | Idaho |