Chaoborus trivittatus
This record describes Chaoborus trivittatus (species). Recorded family: Chaoboridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Individuals overwinter as fourth instar larvae and are mostly restricted to permanent lentic habitats ranging from small shaded ponds to large deep lakes in woodland. Although some larvae live in temporary waters, they can not successfully overwinter in these habitats. Adults emerge under spring conditions in Alberta. Records from elsewhere indicate some multivoltine populations. -- Borkent 1979
Wikipedia reference for Chaoborus trivittatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaoborus_trivittatus.
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
Geographic Range
Canada north to tree line, northeastern United States, Wisconsin, south to central California in West (Borkent 1979)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trivittatus refers to the three stripes on the scutum
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chaoborus trivittatus. 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 trivittatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Chaoborus trivittatus
What is Chaoborus trivittatus?
Chaoborus trivittatus is a species in the family Chaoboridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Chaoborus trivittatus?
Adults are usually 7-8mm long
Where is Chaoborus trivittatus found?
Range: Canada north to tree line, northeastern United States, Wisconsin, south to central California in West (Borkent 1979)