Coelotanypus scapularis
This record describes Coelotanypus scapularis (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Colors are variable and sexually dimorphic. This is the most common species of Coelotanypus . Males are distinguished from close relatives by light genitalia, black thorax (except for white patches on sides), and second tarsomere of mid and hind legs entirely black.
Wikipedia reference for Coelotanypus scapularis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coelotanypus_scapularis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Chironomidae (Non-biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Tanypodinae
- Tribe
- Clinotanypodini
- Genus
- Coelotanypus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Primarily rivers rather than lakes.
Geographic Range
Eastern North America, Central America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The male has prominent white spots on what would be the shoulder blades (scapulae) of a human.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Coelotanypus scapularis. 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 Coelotanypus scapularis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Coelotanypus scapularis
What is Coelotanypus scapularis?
Coelotanypus scapularis is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Coelotanypus scapularis?
Colors are variable and sexually dimorphic. This is the most common species of Coelotanypus . Males are distinguished from close relatives by light genitalia, black thorax (except for white patches on sides), and second tarsomere of mid and hind legs entirely black.
Where is Coelotanypus scapularis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Primarily rivers rather than lakes. |
| Range | Eastern North America, Central America |