Gnophomyia tristissima
This record describes Gnophomyia tristissima (species). Recorded family: Limoniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
body black with bright yellow halteres Page creation based on Chen Young's identification of this image .
Identification notes
body black with bright yellow halteres
Wikipedia reference for Gnophomyia tristissima: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnophomyia_tristissima.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Limoniidae (Limoniid Crane Flies)
- Tribe
- Eriopterini
- Genus
- Gnophomyia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
woodlands; larvae live inside rotten wood
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Gnophomyia tristissima. 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 Gnophomyia tristissima (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joel Kits; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Gnophomyia tristissima
What is Gnophomyia tristissima?
Gnophomyia tristissima is a species in the family Limoniidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Gnophomyia tristissima?
body black with bright yellow halteres
Where is Gnophomyia tristissima found?
Habitat: woodlands; larvae live inside rotten wood