Glyptotendipes testaceus
This record describes Glyptotendipes testaceus (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Fore legs much darker than other legs; scar on tergite 6 about 0.7 as long as tergite.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Chironomidae (Non-biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Chironominae
- Tribe
- Chironomini
- Genus
- Glyptotendipes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southern USA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: "G. testaceus appears to be an obligate miner of submerged logs and branches, where they are found under the bark, as well as, deep within decayed wood in lakes and streams." (Heyn, 1993)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named after the color
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Glyptotendipes testaceus. 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 Glyptotendipes testaceus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Glyptotendipes testaceus
What is Glyptotendipes testaceus?
Glyptotendipes testaceus is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Glyptotendipes testaceus?
Fore legs much darker than other legs; scar on tergite 6 about 0.7 as long as tergite.
Where is Glyptotendipes testaceus found?
Range: Southern USA
What does Glyptotendipes testaceus eat?
The diet of the Glyptotendipes testaceus includes G. testaceus appears to be an obligate miner of submerged logs and branches, where they are found under the bark, as well as, deep within decayed wood in lakes and streams. (Heyn, 1993).