Apsectrotanypus johnsoni
This record describes Apsectrotanypus johnsoni (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Male -- about 4.0 mm, head light. AR 2.0-2.1; eyes iridescent; eye ratio 0.7. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum light. |
| Thorax | Thorax light yellow-brown, vittae not distinct; scutellum, pleura, mesosternum, and postnotum light; Postnotum with dorsal hairs. |
| Legs | Legs light; femora with preapical bands; tibial base and apex darker; apices of T1-2 darker; T3-5 darker. Wing 3.6mm, banded as in [figures]; apex with some darker hairs giving appearance of a third band; no color in membrane as in other bands; moderately haired; halteres light. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen light; 9T haired. The description of the tribe notes mesonotum densely haired. - Roback Author of the species - Coquillett 1901 (Tanypus) |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Chironomidae (Non-biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Tanypodinae
- Tribe
- Macropelopiini
- Genus
- Apsectrotanypus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"In the Southeast, [ A. johnsoni ] has been recorded from the Carolinas, Georgia and northern and western Florida. Apsectrotanypus larvae are usually found in cool mountain streams, but have been found on the Piedmont and Costal Plain."
Geographic Range
Eastern USA
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Apsectrotanypus johnsoni. 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 Apsectrotanypus johnsoni (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John R. Maxwell; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Apsectrotanypus johnsoni
What is Apsectrotanypus johnsoni?
Apsectrotanypus johnsoni is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Apsectrotanypus johnsoni?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Male -- about 4.0 mm, head light. AR 2.0-2.1; eyes iridescent; eye ratio 0.7. |
| Pronotum | Pronotum light. |
| Thorax | Thorax light yellow-brown, vittae not distinct; scutellum, pleura, mesosternum, and postnotum light; Postnotum with dorsal hairs. |
| Legs | Legs light; femora with preapical bands; tibial base and apex darker; apices of T1-2 darker; T3-5 darker. Wing 3.6mm, banded as in [figures]; apex with some darker hairs giving appearance of a third band; no color in membrane as in other bands; moderately haired; halteres light. |
| Abdomen | Abdomen light; 9T haired. The description of the tribe notes mesonotum densely haired. - Roback |
Where is Apsectrotanypus johnsoni found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In the Southeast, [ A. johnsoni ] has been recorded from the Carolinas, Georgia and northern and western Florida. Apsectrotanypus larvae are usually found in cool mountain streams, but have been found on the Piedmont and Costal Plain. |
| Range | Eastern USA |