Lispe tentaculata
This record describes Lispe tentaculata (species). Recorded family: Muscidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male long spine at end of fore basitarsus longer than basitarsus and about half as long as second segment. Female often with pale legs (usually black in related species).
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Central America to arctic, also in Europe.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lispe tentaculata. 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 Lispe tentaculata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Lispe tentaculata
What is Lispe tentaculata?
Lispe tentaculata is a species in the family Muscidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Lispe tentaculata?
Male long spine at end of fore basitarsus longer than basitarsus and about half as long as second segment. Female often with pale legs (usually black in related species).
Where is Lispe tentaculata found?
Range: Central America to arctic, also in Europe.