Dicranoptycha melampygia
This record describes Dicranoptycha melampygia (species). Recorded family: Limoniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dorsal dististyle dark, curved, tapering to point. Ventral dististyle narrowest near midlength with blunt apex. D. melampygia may be distinguished from occidentalis by the dark brown body color, dense costal fringe, and detailed structure of the male genitalia.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Limoniidae (Limoniid Crane Flies)
- Tribe
- Limoniini
- Genus
- Dicranoptycha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California and Oregon
Seasonal Activity
Spring
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dicranoptycha melampygia. 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 Dicranoptycha melampygia (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Dicranoptycha melampygia
What is Dicranoptycha melampygia?
Dicranoptycha melampygia is a species in the family Limoniidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Dicranoptycha melampygia?
Dorsal dististyle dark, curved, tapering to point. Ventral dististyle narrowest near midlength with blunt apex. D. melampygia may be distinguished from occidentalis by the dark brown body color, dense costal fringe, and detailed structure of the male genitalia.
Where is Dicranoptycha melampygia found?
Range: California and Oregon
When is Dicranoptycha melampygia active?
Dicranoptycha melampygia: seasonal activity - Spring.