Lygistorrhina sanctaecatharinae
This record describes Lygistorrhina sanctaecatharinae (species). Recorded family: Lygistorrhinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Long beak, R2+3 absent, base of vein M missing, body mostly black. Females of several other species in the genus will also match this description; the population from the United States belongs to a single species as far as is known. Biology of this species, like all other species in the family, is unknown. Larvae have never been identified. Related famiies are associated with fungus.
Wikipedia reference for Lygistorrhina sanctaecatharinae: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lygistorrhina_sanctaecatharinae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Lygistorrhinidae (Long-beaked fungus gnats)
- Genus
- Lygistorrhina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southeast USA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named after Saint Catherine's Island, Georgia, where the type specimen was collected.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Lygistorrhina sanctaecatharinae. 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 Lygistorrhina sanctaecatharinae (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Lygistorrhina sanctaecatharinae
What is Lygistorrhina sanctaecatharinae?
Lygistorrhina sanctaecatharinae is a species in the family Lygistorrhinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Lygistorrhina sanctaecatharinae?
Long beak, R2+3 absent, base of vein M missing, body mostly black. Females of several other species in the genus will also match this description; the population from the United States belongs to a single species as far as is known.
Where is Lygistorrhina sanctaecatharinae found?
Range: Southeast USA