Chaoborus punctipennis
This record describes Chaoborus punctipennis (species). Recorded family: Chaoboridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is the common eastern species. It is distinguished from similar eastern species by having spots on wings, legs, and between stripes on top of thorax. Other Sayomyia lack leg spots, thorax spots, or have a band instead of spots on the wings.
Wikipedia reference for Chaoborus punctipennis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaoborus_punctipennis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Culicoidea
- Family
- Chaoboridae (Phantom Midges)
- Genus
- Chaoborus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various water bodies. Does not coexist with larger Chaoborus species unless fish are present.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae eat rotifers and other zooplankton. Adults do not feed.
Life History
Univoltine in north, bivoltine in south, overwinters as late stage larva.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named after the many spots on wings, thorax, and legs.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chaoborus punctipennis. 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 Chaoborus punctipennis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaoborus punctipennis
What is Chaoborus punctipennis?
Chaoborus punctipennis is a species in the family Chaoboridae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Chaoborus punctipennis found?
Habitat: Various water bodies. Does not coexist with larger Chaoborus species unless fish are present.
What does Chaoborus punctipennis eat?
The diet of the Chaoborus punctipennis includes Larvae eat rotifers and other zooplankton. Adults do not feed..
What is the life cycle of a Chaoborus punctipennis?
Univoltine in north, bivoltine in south, overwinters as late stage larva.