Nephrotoma ferruginea
This record describes Nephrotoma ferruginea (species). Recorded family: Tipulidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
In the Northeast, distinguished from other Nephrotoma by the combination of Most common Nephrotoma in our area, and likely to be found in urban/suburban areas
Wikipedia reference for Nephrotoma ferruginea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephrotoma_ferruginea.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
grasslands, lawns, forest edges; larvae in soil or leaf mold
Geographic Range
transcontinental (NF-NT-AK south to GA-TX-AZ & Mexico)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on decaying plant debris and grass roots
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Nephrotoma ferruginea. 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 ferruginea (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Bbarnd , Chuck Entz , Aaron Schusteff , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Nephrotoma ferruginea
What is Nephrotoma ferruginea?
Nephrotoma ferruginea is a species in the family Tipulidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Nephrotoma ferruginea?
12-16 mm
How do you identify Nephrotoma ferruginea?
In the Northeast, distinguished from other Nephrotoma by the combination of
Where is Nephrotoma ferruginea found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | grasslands, lawns, forest edges; larvae in soil or leaf mold |
| Range | transcontinental (NF-NT-AK south to GA-TX-AZ & Mexico) |
What does Nephrotoma ferruginea eat?
The diet of the Nephrotoma ferruginea includes larvae feed on decaying plant debris and grass roots.