Nephrotoma cornicina
This record describes Nephrotoma cornicina (species). Recorded family: Tipulidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
N. cornicina can be easily recognized by the posteriorly pointed and sclerotized outer dististyle and the presence of a knob-shaped, mid-ventral appendate on the male sternite 8 and by the pointed cerci of the female. (Oosterbroek, 1984)
Wikipedia reference for Nephrotoma cornicina: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephrotoma_cornicina.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
A widespread Old World species introduced to Canada
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Nephrotoma cornicina. 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 Nephrotoma cornicina (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Nephrotoma cornicina
What is Nephrotoma cornicina?
Nephrotoma cornicina is a species in the family Tipulidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Nephrotoma cornicina?
N. cornicina can be easily recognized by the posteriorly pointed and sclerotized outer dististyle and the presence of a knob-shaped, mid-ventral appendate on the male sternite 8 and by the pointed cerci of the female. (Oosterbroek, 1984)
Where is Nephrotoma cornicina found?
Range: A widespread Old World species introduced to Canada