Mycomya kaurii
This record describes Mycomya kaurii (species). Recorded family: Mycetophilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Using older keys such as Fisher, this species will key towards Mycomya dichaeta but it can be distinguished by the male genitalia (distinct medial process on tergite 9). It is similar to M. woodi Väisänen (known only from Maine).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Mycetophilidae (Fungus Gnats)
- Subfamily
- Mycomyinae
- Genus
- Mycomya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Specimens from Finland were collected at light near a bog.
Geographic Range
Holarctic. Type locality Finland. Finland, USSR (West Siberia), Canada (ON, QC), USA (IA, MA, NH, NY, PA)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Mycomya kaurii. 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 Mycomya kaurii (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Mycomya kaurii
What is Mycomya kaurii?
Mycomya kaurii is a species in the family Mycetophilidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Mycomya kaurii?
Using older keys such as Fisher, this species will key towards Mycomya dichaeta but it can be distinguished by the male genitalia (distinct medial process on tergite 9). It is similar to M. woodi Väisänen (known only from Maine).
Where is Mycomya kaurii found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Specimens from Finland were collected at light near a bog. |
| Range | Holarctic. Type locality Finland. Finland, USSR (West Siberia), Canada (ON, QC), USA (IA, MA, NH, NY, PA) |