Cirrula austrina
This record describes Cirrula austrina (species). Recorded family: Ephydridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Two fronto-orbital bristles present, one presutural dorsocentral bristle present, one pair of cruciate interfrontal bristles present, arista longer in length than antennal segments 1-3 combined, prescutellar acrostichal bristles reduced or absent, males with tufts of long hairs on hind tarsomeres, and males with slender fore tarsi (Mathis & Marinoni, 2016). Larvae have eight pairs of well-developed prolegs and the third-instar larva also has a dark transverse strap at the anteroventral margin of segment three that is about 10 times as wide as long. Third segment is without posterior projection.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Ephydroidea
- Family
- Ephydridae (Shore Flies)
- Subfamily
- Ephydrinae
- Tribe
- Ephydrini
- Genus
- Cirrula
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in or on mats of filamentous algae in salt marshes, in which the larvae feed on microorganisms.
Geographic Range
Coastal U.S. south into Central America, both east and west coasts.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cirrula austrina. 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 Cirrula austrina (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Cirrula austrina
What is Cirrula austrina?
Cirrula austrina is a species in the family Ephydridae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Cirrula austrina?
Two fronto-orbital bristles present, one presutural dorsocentral bristle present, one pair of cruciate interfrontal bristles present, arista longer in length than antennal segments 1-3 combined, prescutellar acrostichal bristles reduced or absent, males with tufts of long hairs on hind tarsomeres, and males with slender fore tarsi (Mathis & Marinoni, 2016). Larvae have eight pairs of well-developed prolegs and the third-instar larva also has a dark transverse strap at the anteroventral margin of segment three that is about 10 times as wide as long. Third segment is without posterior projection.
Where is Cirrula austrina found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found in or on mats of filamentous algae in salt marshes, in which the larvae feed on microorganisms. |
| Range | Coastal U.S. south into Central America, both east and west coasts. |