Chaetopsis aenea
This record describes Chaetopsis aenea (species). Recorded family: Ulidiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species has red legs, three complete wing bands, and about five pairs of fronto-orbital bristles plus two small frontal bristles. It is one of two species found in salt marshes.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
East Coast salt marshes according to Johnson 1921; inland records may be misidentifications
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Cordgrass ( Spartina alterniflora )
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chaetopsis aenea. 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 Chaetopsis aenea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaetopsis aenea
What is Chaetopsis aenea?
Chaetopsis aenea is a species in the family Ulidiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Chaetopsis aenea?
This species has red legs, three complete wing bands, and about five pairs of fronto-orbital bristles plus two small frontal bristles. It is one of two species found in salt marshes.
Where is Chaetopsis aenea found?
Range: East Coast salt marshes according to Johnson 1921; inland records may be misidentifications
What does Chaetopsis aenea eat?
The diet of the Chaetopsis aenea includes Cordgrass ( Spartina alterniflora ).