Alluaudomyia paraspina
This record describes Alluaudomyia paraspina (species). Recorded family: Ceratopogonidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Female distinguished from other North American Alluaudomyia by the combination of wing with 12 spots, some spots in white patches, legs mottled, abdomen black with white tip but without white bands. Male identified by genital features. See Wirth (1952) (citation on genus page).
Wikipedia reference for Alluaudomyia paraspina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alluaudomyia_paraspina.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Ceratopogonidae (Biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Ceratopogoninae
- Tribe
- Ceratopogonini
- Genus
- Alluaudomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named after the distinctive feature of the male genitalia visible in slide mounted specimens: "...between base of parameres and base of basistyle on each side with a long saber-shaped, strongly sclerotized spine with apex reaching knob of paramere."
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Alluaudomyia paraspina. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alluaudomyia paraspina
What is Alluaudomyia paraspina?
Alluaudomyia paraspina is a species in the family Ceratopogonidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Alluaudomyia paraspina?
Female wing 1.4 mm
How do you identify Alluaudomyia paraspina?
Female distinguished from other North American Alluaudomyia by the combination of wing with 12 spots, some spots in white patches, legs mottled, abdomen black with white tip but without white bands. Male identified by genital features. See Wirth (1952) (citation on genus page).
Where is Alluaudomyia paraspina found?
Range: Eastern USA