Dicranomyia ypsilon
This record describes Dicranomyia ypsilon (species). Recorded family: Limoniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male with proctiger appearing as a blackened Y-shaped rod extending from beneath the posterior margin of the tergite , which according to Alexander 1959c suggested the specific epithet to him.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Limoniidae (Limoniid Crane Flies)
- Tribe
- Limoniini
- Genus
- Dicranomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Washington, Oregon, and California. At least one Arizona record (per Alexander 1959c).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dicranomyia ypsilon. 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 Dicranomyia ypsilon (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Dicranomyia ypsilon
What is Dicranomyia ypsilon?
Dicranomyia ypsilon is a species in the family Limoniidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Dicranomyia ypsilon?
Male: 6-6.5 mm, wing 6.5-7 mm.
How do you identify Dicranomyia ypsilon?
Male with proctiger appearing as a blackened Y-shaped rod extending from beneath the posterior margin of the tergite , which according to Alexander 1959c suggested the specific epithet to him.
Where is Dicranomyia ypsilon found?
Range: Washington, Oregon, and California. At least one Arizona record (per Alexander 1959c).