Forcipomyia pictoni
This record describes Forcipomyia pictoni (species). Recorded family: Ceratopogonidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Thorax black on top and white on the sides. |
| Legs | Legs mostly pale, with narrow black bands near tips of mid and hind femora and black spots on tibiae. Not a predatory species. In the tropics this species pollinates cocoa (as do many small Ceratopogonidae). |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Ceratopogonidae (Biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Forcipomyiinae
- Genus
- Forcipomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southeast USA to Argentina
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Forcipomyia pictoni. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forcipomyia pictoni
What is Forcipomyia pictoni?
Forcipomyia pictoni is a species in the family Ceratopogonidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Forcipomyia pictoni?
Wing length 1.3 mm
How do you identify Forcipomyia pictoni?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Thorax | Thorax black on top and white on the sides. |
| Legs | Legs mostly pale, with narrow black bands near tips of mid and hind femora and black spots on tibiae. |
Where is Forcipomyia pictoni found?
Range: Southeast USA to Argentina