Chaetopsis massyla
This record describes Chaetopsis massyla (species). Recorded family: Ulidiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Two apical wing bands broadly joined along wing margin, first band nearly complete, legs dark, inhabitant of fresh water wetlands.
Wikipedia reference for Chaetopsis massyla: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaetopsis_massyla.
Classification
Diet and Behavior
Diet: "Larvae of all three instars were found in nature feeding as secondary invaders in decomposing tissues of cattail stems that had been damaged by moth larvae belonging to the family Noctuidae." (Allen and Foote 1992) Also associated with Carex .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chaetopsis massyla. 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 massyla (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by ceiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaetopsis massyla
What is Chaetopsis massyla?
Chaetopsis massyla is a species in the family Ulidiidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Chaetopsis massyla?
Two apical wing bands broadly joined along wing margin, first band nearly complete, legs dark, inhabitant of fresh water wetlands.
What does Chaetopsis massyla eat?
The diet of the Chaetopsis massyla includes Larvae of all three instars were found in nature feeding as secondary invaders in decomposing tissues of cattail stems that had been damaged by moth larvae belonging to the family Noctuidae. (Allen and Foote 1992) Also associated with Carex ..