Micropeza corrigiolata
This record describes Micropeza corrigiolata (species). Recorded family: Micropezidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Morphologically distinct from North American native species (male lacks genital graspers, head and body nearly entirely black, dark rings on mid- and hind-femora). A Eurasian species, introduced recently. First recorded in 1993. This is the only Micropeza species known to occur in eastern Canada, although widespread in Europe, it had only been recorded from 2 localities in New Brunswick (St. John & Moncton areas). [ Comment by Morgan Jackson ] For more details, see Hoebeke & Wheeler in Print References below. Dark rings on mid- and hind-femora are similar to those of M. stigmatica , a southwestern (to South America) species which is predominantly reddish and has all its femora with black disto-median and sub-apical bands. Previous to the 1993 introduction of M. corrigiolata , the only species in our area having black disto-median and sub-apical bands on its femora was M. stigmatica .
Wikipedia reference for Micropeza corrigiolata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micropeza_corrigiolata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Nerioidea
- Family
- Micropezidae (Stilt-legged Flies)
- Subfamily
- Micropezinae
- Genus
- Micropeza
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
New Brunswick, Canada. Probably in Nova Scotia and Maine as well...see comments here .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Micropeza corrigiolata. 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 Micropeza corrigiolata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Micropeza corrigiolata
What is Micropeza corrigiolata?
Micropeza corrigiolata is a species in the family Micropezidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Micropeza corrigiolata?
Morphologically distinct from North American native species (male lacks genital graspers, head and body nearly entirely black, dark rings on mid- and hind-femora).
Where is Micropeza corrigiolata found?
Range: New Brunswick, Canada. Probably in Nova Scotia and Maine as well...see comments here .