Hexatoma spinosa
This record describes Hexatoma spinosa (species). Recorded family: Limoniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: body brownish-gray; wings yellowish-brown with conspicuous dark veins; legs dark yellow to brown, slightly darker at joints; thorax with two longitudinal dark dorsal stripes and two subdorsal stripes that are broken or shorter than the dorsal stripes; number of antennae segments reduced to less than 12; male antennae much longer than body; female antennae variably short to almost as long as body page creation based on Chen Young's identification of the image on this page - a copy of the image posted to BugGuide here
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Limoniidae (Limoniid Crane Flies)
- Tribe
- Hexatomini
- Genus
- Hexatoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
adults present along sandy margins of major streams; they are among the most rapid-flying crane flies, and often form large swarms near streams and rivers larvae live in water or saturated soil
Geographic Range
northeastern United States, west to at least Alberta
Seasonal Activity
adults present April to July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae are carnivorous
Life History
larvae migrate to sandy banks of streams where pupation occurs
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hexatoma spinosa. 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 Hexatoma spinosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod
Frequently Asked Questions About Hexatoma spinosa
What is Hexatoma spinosa?
Hexatoma spinosa is a species in the family Limoniidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Hexatoma spinosa?
body length 15-28 mm; male antennae length 35-50 mm
How do you identify Hexatoma spinosa?
Adult: body brownish-gray; wings yellowish-brown with conspicuous dark veins; legs dark yellow to brown, slightly darker at joints; thorax with two longitudinal dark dorsal stripes and two subdorsal stripes that are broken or shorter than the dorsal stripes; number of antennae segments reduced to less than 12; male antennae much longer than body; female antennae variably short to almost as long as body
Where is Hexatoma spinosa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | adults present along sandy margins of major streams; they are among the most rapid-flying crane flies, and often form large swarms near streams and rivers larvae live in water or saturated soil |
| Range | northeastern United States, west to at least Alberta |
What does Hexatoma spinosa eat?
The diet of the Hexatoma spinosa includes larvae are carnivorous.
When is Hexatoma spinosa active?
Hexatoma spinosa: seasonal activity - adults present April to July.
What is the life cycle of a Hexatoma spinosa?
larvae migrate to sandy banks of streams where pupation occurs