Homoneura unguiculata
This record describes Homoneura unguiculata (species). Recorded family: Lauxaniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Six rows of small acrostichals (native species with 2-4 often larger pairs), wing unmarked, antenna yellow with brown tip (tip not dark in native species), face with conspicuous silvery spots when viewed from above, arista with longer hairs than most native species.
Wikipedia reference for Homoneura unguiculata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homoneura_unguiculata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Lauxanioidea
- Family
- Lauxaniidae
- Genus
- Homoneura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Native to southeast Asia, first American record from Florida in 1952
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for the shape of the male genitalia: "Das Hypopygium des Männchens ist durch einen krallenförmigen Zahn gekennzeichnet, der auch bei vollständiger Retraktion sichtbar ist." Unguiculata is Latin for clawed.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Homoneura unguiculata. 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 Homoneura unguiculata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Homoneura unguiculata
What is Homoneura unguiculata?
Homoneura unguiculata is a species in the family Lauxaniidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Homoneura unguiculata?
Six rows of small acrostichals (native species with 2-4 often larger pairs), wing unmarked, antenna yellow with brown tip (tip not dark in native species), face with conspicuous silvery spots when viewed from above, arista with longer hairs than most native species.
Where is Homoneura unguiculata found?
Range: Native to southeast Asia, first American record from Florida in 1952