Leptocera erythrocera
This record describes Leptocera erythrocera (species). Recorded family: Sphaeroceridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The most widespread and often the most common Leptocera in the Americas.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sphaeroceroidea
- Family
- Sphaeroceridae (Lesser Dung Flies)
- Subfamily
- Limosininae
- Genus
- Leptocera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Wide variety of wooded and open habitats, with little specificity. Rarely attracted to dung. Has been collected at lights.
Geographic Range
Very widespread in the New World, from northern Canada to Argentina. Also introduced to Hawaii.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Leptocera erythrocera. 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 Leptocera erythrocera (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Stephen Luk; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Leptocera erythrocera
What is Leptocera erythrocera?
Leptocera erythrocera is a species in the family Sphaeroceridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Leptocera erythrocera?
1.7 to 2.5 mm
How do you identify Leptocera erythrocera?
The most widespread and often the most common Leptocera in the Americas.
Where is Leptocera erythrocera found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Wide variety of wooded and open habitats, with little specificity. Rarely attracted to dung. Has been collected at lights. |
| Range | Very widespread in the New World, from northern Canada to Argentina. Also introduced to Hawaii. |