Nephrotoma okefenoke
This record describes Nephrotoma okefenoke (species). Recorded family: Tipulidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The appendage of the inner dististyle of the male is distinctive. Otherwise, very similar to Nephrotoma cornifera and urocera .
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Swamps
Geographic Range
Southeast USA but most common in northern Florida
Seasonal Activity
Year round in the south but less common in winter
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The species was discovered in the Okefenoke Swamp in Georgia (now usually spelled Okefenokee).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Nephrotoma okefenoke. 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 okefenoke (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Nephrotoma okefenoke
What is Nephrotoma okefenoke?
Nephrotoma okefenoke is a species in the family Tipulidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Nephrotoma okefenoke?
The appendage of the inner dististyle of the male is distinctive. Otherwise, very similar to Nephrotoma cornifera and urocera .
Where is Nephrotoma okefenoke found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Swamps |
| Range | Southeast USA but most common in northern Florida |
When is Nephrotoma okefenoke active?
Nephrotoma okefenoke: seasonal activity - Year round in the south but less common in winter.