Minettia fasciata
This record describes Minettia fasciata (species). Recorded family: Lauxaniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The [ Minettia fasciata species] group is characterized by the grey microtrichose mesonotum, a pair of black spots on the lateroventral side of the scutellum, 0+3 dorsocentral setae, 6 rows of acrostichal setulae, only one dorsal preapical seta on the midtibia, dark transverse stripes on the abdominal tergites and characteristic terminalia. (Merz, 2004) This is the only member of the species group found in North America. The only Nearctic representative of the Minettia fasciata species group. Probably accidentally introduced along with scotch broom ( Cytisus scoparius ) in ship ballast some time between the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 and collections in 1963. (Waloff, 1966)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Lauxanioidea
- Family
- Lauxaniidae
- Genus
- Minettia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread and common in Europe, North Africa, and adjacent parts of southwest Asia, with a disjunct population along the Pacific coast from northern Oregon to Vancouver.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Latin for "barred", referring to the black marks on the abdomen.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Minettia fasciata. 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 Minettia fasciata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Minettia fasciata
What is Minettia fasciata?
Minettia fasciata is a species in the family Lauxaniidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Minettia fasciata?
The [ Minettia fasciata species] group is characterized by the grey microtrichose mesonotum, a pair of black spots on the lateroventral side of the scutellum, 0+3 dorsocentral setae, 6 rows of acrostichal setulae, only one dorsal preapical seta on the midtibia, dark transverse stripes on the abdominal tergites and characteristic terminalia. (Merz, 2004) This is the only member of the species group found in North America.
Where is Minettia fasciata found?
Range: Widespread and common in Europe, North Africa, and adjacent parts of southwest Asia, with a disjunct population along the Pacific coast from northern Oregon to Vancouver.