Discobola annulata
This record describes Discobola annulata (species). Recorded family: Limoniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
body yellowish or greenish-yellow; wings yellow with a supernumerary cross vein in cell 1st A, connecting the two anal veins; series of eye-like brown markings along costal margin; femora with subterminal black ring and clear yellow apex, halteres with conspicuously pale knobs page creation based on Chen Young's identification of this image
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Limoniidae (Limoniid Crane Flies)
- Tribe
- Limoniini
- Genus
- Discobola
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
woodlands: adults commonly found in hollow logs and on moss-covered bases of trees; larvae found beneath bark of decaying wood
Geographic Range
British Columbia to Newfoundland, south to Tennessee also occurs in Eurasia, south to New Guinea
Seasonal Activity
adults present May to October
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Discobola annulata. 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 Discobola annulata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Discobola annulata
What is Discobola annulata?
Discobola annulata is a species in the family Limoniidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Discobola annulata?
body length 8-11 mm
How do you identify Discobola annulata?
body yellowish or greenish-yellow; wings yellow with a supernumerary cross vein in cell 1st A, connecting the two anal veins; series of eye-like brown markings along costal margin; femora with subterminal black ring and clear yellow apex, halteres with conspicuously pale knobs
Where is Discobola annulata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | woodlands: adults commonly found in hollow logs and on moss-covered bases of trees; larvae found beneath bark of decaying wood |
| Range | British Columbia to Newfoundland, south to Tennessee also occurs in Eurasia, south to New Guinea |
When is Discobola annulata active?
Discobola annulata: seasonal activity - adults present May to October.