Diplocladius cultriger
This record describes Diplocladius cultriger (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Diplocladius cultriger (Diplocladius cultriger) is a species in the family Chironomidae, commonly known as non-biting midges, belonging to the order Diptera (Flies). It is classified within the subfamily Orthocladiinae, superfamily Chironomoidea. This species belongs to the genus Diplocladius. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. It is found in Larvae live in cool springs and streams. Active during Late winter and early spring. May be found on snow..
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Chironomidae (Non-biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Orthocladiinae
- Genus
- Diplocladius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae live in cool springs and streams
Geographic Range
Holarctic, at least as far south as the mountains of North Carolina
Seasonal Activity
Late winter and early spring. May be found on snow.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Diplocladius cultriger. 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 Diplocladius cultriger (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Diplocladius cultriger
What is Diplocladius cultriger?
Diplocladius cultriger is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Diplocladius cultriger found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae live in cool springs and streams |
| Range | Holarctic, at least as far south as the mountains of North Carolina |
When is Diplocladius cultriger active?
Diplocladius cultriger: seasonal activity - Late winter and early spring. May be found on snow..