Endochironomus nigricans
This record describes Endochironomus nigricans (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Thorax brown to shining black. Male abdomen pale green usually with darker green between segments. Female abdomen darker than male. |
| Legs | Legs and wing veins pale. Male antenna 13-segmented (as for all members of genus). Male genital features also used for identification. A common species |
Wikipedia reference for Endochironomus nigricans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endochironomus_nigricans.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Chironomidae (Non-biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Chironominae
- Tribe
- Chironomini
- Genus
- Endochironomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"The larvae occur mostly in lentic habitats. They may be found on or inside the leaves of living or dead macrophytes. Sometimes larvae also inhabit bottom substrates in shallow, vegetated areas."
Geographic Range
United States and Southern Canada
Seasonal Activity
Spring to fall, probably most common in late spring. Larvae overwinter inside silk tubes or macrophytes.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: "Their food probably consists mainly of algae and diatoms."
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Endochironomus nigricans. 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 Endochironomus nigricans (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Endochironomus nigricans
What is Endochironomus nigricans?
Endochironomus nigricans is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Endochironomus nigricans?
Wing length about 4 mm
How do you identify Endochironomus nigricans?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Thorax brown to shining black. Male abdomen pale green usually with darker green between segments. Female abdomen darker than male. |
| Legs | Legs and wing veins pale. Male antenna 13-segmented (as for all members of genus). Male genital features also used for identification. |
Where is Endochironomus nigricans found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | The larvae occur mostly in lentic habitats. They may be found on or inside the leaves of living or dead macrophytes. Sometimes larvae also inhabit bottom substrates in shallow, vegetated areas. |
| Range | United States and Southern Canada |
What does Endochironomus nigricans eat?
The diet of the Endochironomus nigricans includes Their food probably consists mainly of algae and diatoms..
When is Endochironomus nigricans active?
Endochironomus nigricans: seasonal activity - Spring to fall, probably most common in late spring. Larvae overwinter inside silk tubes or macrophytes..