Chasmatonotus unimaculatus
This record describes Chasmatonotus unimaculatus (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
In the eastern United States, nearly all Chasmatonotus midges with a single white spot near the middle of the wing are C. unimaculatus . There is an uncommon, undescribed species from the southern Appalachian Mountains with a nearly identical wing pattern but slightly lighter colors.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Chironomidae (Non-biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Orthocladiinae
- Genus
- Chasmatonotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae have been collected from damp soil in woods near a stream.
Geographic Range
Eastern United States
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "Unimaculatus" is Latin for "one spot," referring to the single white spot on each wing.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Chasmatonotus unimaculatus. 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 Chasmatonotus unimaculatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Chasmatonotus unimaculatus
What is Chasmatonotus unimaculatus?
Chasmatonotus unimaculatus is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Chasmatonotus unimaculatus?
In the eastern United States, nearly all Chasmatonotus midges with a single white spot near the middle of the wing are C. unimaculatus . There is an uncommon, undescribed species from the southern Appalachian Mountains with a nearly identical wing pattern but slightly lighter colors.
Where is Chasmatonotus unimaculatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae have been collected from damp soil in woods near a stream. |
| Range | Eastern United States |