Didactylomyia longimana
This record describes Didactylomyia longimana (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body | Body bright yellow, possibly with dark spots on thorax and base of abdomen. |
| Antennae | Antennae brown, yellow at base. Wing yellow, possibly with 1-4 brown spots. |
| Legs | Legs with dark joints and yellow hind tibiae and femora, the rest varying from yellow to brown. Base of Rs strong, not weak or absent as in most Cecidomyiinae. Summary of detailed description (Carmo-Neto et al. 2019): Detailed description of female (from Felt, 1914): |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Cecidomyiinae
- Tribe
- Oligotrophini
- Genus
- Didactylomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Cosmopolitan: recorded from Nearctic (USA), Oriental (Sri Lanka) and Neotropical Regions (Carmo-Neto et al. 2019).
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reported to be kleptoparasitic , taking the prey of spiders (Sivinksi and Stowe. 1980). One example here of it scavenging a dead Harvestman (Opiliones):
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Didactylomyia longimana. 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 Didactylomyia longimana (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Didactylomyia longimana
What is Didactylomyia longimana?
Didactylomyia longimana is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Didactylomyia longimana?
length male, 1.5 mm (Sivinksi and Stowe, 1980; quoting Felt, 1908); female, 1.6 mm (Felt, 1914)
How do you identify Didactylomyia longimana?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Body | Body bright yellow, possibly with dark spots on thorax and base of abdomen. |
| Antennae | Antennae brown, yellow at base. Wing yellow, possibly with 1-4 brown spots. |
| Legs | Legs with dark joints and yellow hind tibiae and femora, the rest varying from yellow to brown. Base of Rs strong, not weak or absent as in most Cecidomyiinae. Summary of detailed description (Carmo-Neto et al. 2019): Detailed description of female (from Felt, 1914): |
Where is Didactylomyia longimana found?
Range: Cosmopolitan: recorded from Nearctic (USA), Oriental (Sri Lanka) and Neotropical Regions (Carmo-Neto et al. 2019).
What does Didactylomyia longimana eat?
The diet of the Didactylomyia longimana includes Reported to be kleptoparasitic , taking the prey of spiders (Sivinksi and Stowe. 1980). One example here of it scavenging a dead Harvestman (Opiliones):.