Ceratinostoma ostiorum
This record describes Ceratinostoma ostiorum (species). Recorded family: Scathophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body dark grey, with very long palpi and long anteroventral bristles on the fore tibia.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Muscoidea
- Family
- Scathophagidae (Dung Flies)
- Subfamily
- Scathophaginae
- Genus
- Ceratinostoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Littoral.
Geographic Range
Holarctic. In our area, found along the eastern coast from QC to MA.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ceratinostoma ostiorum. 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 Ceratinostoma ostiorum (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by Chris Angell
Frequently Asked Questions About Ceratinostoma ostiorum
What is Ceratinostoma ostiorum?
Ceratinostoma ostiorum is a species in the family Scathophagidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Ceratinostoma ostiorum?
Body dark grey, with very long palpi and long anteroventral bristles on the fore tibia.
Where is Ceratinostoma ostiorum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Littoral. |
| Range | Holarctic. In our area, found along the eastern coast from QC to MA. |