Leia ventralis
This record describes Leia ventralis (species). Recorded family: Mycetophilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | From Johannsen 1911: Head black; antennae brown, 3 basal joints and the palpi yellow. |
| Thorax | Thorax and abdomen shining black, venter with segments 3 and 4 largely yellow; hairs pale. Coxae, femora, tibiae, and metatarsi yellow remainder of tarsi brown; tip of each hind femur blackish; tibial spurs yellow. |
| Wings | Wings whitish hyaline, the broad preapical band nearly reaches the base of the fork of the media. (Fig. 196). Halteres yellow with black knob. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Mycetophilidae (Fungus Gnats)
- Subfamily
- Leiinae
- Genus
- Leia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Maine to New Jersey.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Leia ventralis. 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 Leia ventralis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Leia ventralis
What is Leia ventralis?
Leia ventralis is a species in the family Mycetophilidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Leia ventralis?
3.5 mm
How do you identify Leia ventralis?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | From Johannsen 1911: Head black; antennae brown, 3 basal joints and the palpi yellow. |
| Thorax | Thorax and abdomen shining black, venter with segments 3 and 4 largely yellow; hairs pale. Coxae, femora, tibiae, and metatarsi yellow remainder of tarsi brown; tip of each hind femur blackish; tibial spurs yellow. |
| Wings | Wings whitish hyaline, the broad preapical band nearly reaches the base of the fork of the media. (Fig. 196). Halteres yellow with black knob. |
Where is Leia ventralis found?
Range: Maine to New Jersey.