Brachydeutera longipes
This record describes Brachydeutera longipes (species). Recorded family: Ephydridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Lacks a sharp demarcation between the brownish dorsal area and the grayish ventral area comes to light
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Ephydroidea
- Family
- Ephydridae (Shore Flies)
- Subfamily
- Ephydrinae
- Tribe
- Scatellini
- Genus
- Brachydeutera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Aquatic habitats, preferring ones that are stable, permanent, with an abundance of vegetation. Very tolerant of sewage.
Geographic Range
native to so. Asia (Iraq to Japan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia) , adventive in our area (ON-GA)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on algae and protozoans
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachydeutera longipes Hendel 1913
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Brachydeutera longipes. 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 Brachydeutera longipes (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachydeutera longipes
What is Brachydeutera longipes?
Brachydeutera longipes is a species in the family Ephydridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Brachydeutera longipes?
2.1-3.2 mm
How do you identify Brachydeutera longipes?
Lacks a sharp demarcation between the brownish dorsal area and the grayish ventral area
Where is Brachydeutera longipes found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Aquatic habitats, preferring ones that are stable, permanent, with an abundance of vegetation. Very tolerant of sewage. |
| Range | native to so. Asia (Iraq to Japan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia) , adventive in our area (ON-GA) |
What does Brachydeutera longipes eat?
The diet of the Brachydeutera longipes includes Larvae feed on algae and protozoans.