Atrichopogon fusculus
This record describes Atrichopogon fusculus (species). Recorded family: Ceratopogonidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other North American Atrichopogon by the combination of proboscis and palps longer than head, scutellum with four strong marginal bristles, and basal segments of female antenna shorter than broad. Female is generally brown, often with pale humeral areas; scutellum, legs, and halteres yellow. Male darker, often brown where female is yellow. (Wirth, 1994)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Ceratopogonidae (Biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Forcipomyiinae
- Genus
- Atrichopogon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
"Widespread in northern Eurasia, North America, and south in West Indies, Central and South America to Brazil and Bolivia." (Wirth, 1994)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Atrichopogon fusculus. 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 Atrichopogon fusculus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Atrichopogon fusculus
What is Atrichopogon fusculus?
Atrichopogon fusculus is a species in the family Ceratopogonidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Atrichopogon fusculus?
Female wing length 1.7 mm. Male wing length 1.1 mm. (according to Wirth, 1994) or 1.8 mm (according to Boesel, 1973)
How do you identify Atrichopogon fusculus?
Distinguished from other North American Atrichopogon by the combination of proboscis and palps longer than head, scutellum with four strong marginal bristles, and basal segments of female antenna shorter than broad. Female is generally brown, often with pale humeral areas; scutellum, legs, and halteres yellow. Male darker, often brown where female is yellow. (Wirth, 1994)
Where is Atrichopogon fusculus found?
Range: Widespread in northern Eurasia, North America, and south in West Indies, Central and South America to Brazil and Bolivia. (Wirth, 1994)