Elachiptera longiventris
This record describes Elachiptera longiventris (species). Recorded family: Chloropidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
First abdominal tergite greatly lengthened, forming a plate that covers almost all of the dorsum of the abdomen.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Carnoidea
- Family
- Chloropidae (Frit Flies)
- Subfamily
- Oscinellinae
- Tribe
- Incertellini
- Genus
- Elachiptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Probably widespread in the east, but not commonly seen. Types were collected in NY, also known from MI & TX.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Elachiptera longiventris. 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 Elachiptera longiventris (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Elachiptera longiventris
What is Elachiptera longiventris?
Elachiptera longiventris is a species in the family Chloropidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Elachiptera longiventris?
First abdominal tergite greatly lengthened, forming a plate that covers almost all of the dorsum of the abdomen.
Where is Elachiptera longiventris found?
Range: Probably widespread in the east, but not commonly seen. Types were collected in NY, also known from MI & TX.