Leptopsilopa atrimana
This record describes Leptopsilopa atrimana (species). Recorded family: Ephydridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small black ephydrids with black front legs that contrast with the yellowish middle and hind legs. Slight infuscation over crossvein dm-cu. Face striate.
Wikipedia reference for Leptopsilopa atrimana: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptopsilopa_atrimana.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Ephydroidea
- Family
- Ephydridae (Shore Flies)
- Subfamily
- Discomyzinae
- Genus
- Leptopsilopa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In Iowa, this species has been collected from marsh-reed, sedge-meadow, and Eragrostis -mat habitats. Also from limnic-wrack habitat in Ohio and in bed of chrysanthemums in Arizona.
Geographic Range
Eastern half of the USA (MA to FL, west to MN, NE, KS, TX) & southern Ontario, and in the west from Texas to California. Also Guatemala and possibly Cuba.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae probably feed on saprophytic microorganisms and have been reared on decaying lettuce.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Leptopsilopa atrimana. 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 Leptopsilopa atrimana (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Leptopsilopa atrimana
What is Leptopsilopa atrimana?
Leptopsilopa atrimana is a species in the family Ephydridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Leptopsilopa atrimana?
1.9 to 2.3 mm
How do you identify Leptopsilopa atrimana?
Small black ephydrids with black front legs that contrast with the yellowish middle and hind legs. Slight infuscation over crossvein dm-cu. Face striate.
Where is Leptopsilopa atrimana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In Iowa, this species has been collected from marsh-reed, sedge-meadow, and Eragrostis -mat habitats. Also from limnic-wrack habitat in Ohio and in bed of chrysanthemums in Arizona. |
| Range | Eastern half of the USA (MA to FL, west to MN, NE, KS, TX) & southern Ontario, and in the west from Texas to California. Also Guatemala and possibly Cuba. |
What does Leptopsilopa atrimana eat?
The diet of the Leptopsilopa atrimana includes Larvae probably feed on saprophytic microorganisms and have been reared on decaying lettuce..