Atarba picticornis
This record describes Atarba picticornis (species). Recorded family: Limoniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult preserved specimens: wings polished yellow; abdomen yellow with blackened subterminal ring on each segment; antennae elongate, bicolored with pale and dark rings - a distinguishing feature; legs yellow, with terminal tarsal segments darker yellowish-brown living individuals are more brown (as seen in this photo ), and turn yellow after death page creation based on Chen Young's identification of this image
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Limoniidae (Limoniid Crane Flies)
- Tribe
- Hexatomini
- Genus
- Atarba
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
grassy areas and on low vegetation in shaded open woods; larvae develop in saturated decaying wood
Geographic Range
includes eastern North America, from Florida to at least Pennsylvania and Michigan
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Atarba picticornis. 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 Atarba picticornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Atarba picticornis
What is Atarba picticornis?
Atarba picticornis is a species in the family Limoniidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Atarba picticornis?
body length 6-7 mm
How do you identify Atarba picticornis?
Adult preserved specimens: wings polished yellow; abdomen yellow with blackened subterminal ring on each segment; antennae elongate, bicolored with pale and dark rings - a distinguishing feature; legs yellow, with terminal tarsal segments darker yellowish-brown living individuals are more brown (as seen in this photo ), and turn yellow after death
Where is Atarba picticornis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | grassy areas and on low vegetation in shaded open woods; larvae develop in saturated decaying wood |
| Range | includes eastern North America, from Florida to at least Pennsylvania and Michigan |