Nostima niveivenosa
This record describes Nostima niveivenosa (species). Recorded family: Ephydridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of the most widespread and commonly collected species of Nostima.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Ephydroidea
- Family
- Ephydridae (Shore Flies)
- Subfamily
- Ilytheinae
- Genus
- Nostima
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"Frequently this species occurs in grassy areas near human dwellings."
Geographic Range
Widespread in the Americas from Brazil & Bolivia north to Mexico & southern Florida, including the Caribbean. US records are confined to southern Florida , although guide images indicate it is also present in Texas.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Nostima niveivenosa. 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 Nostima niveivenosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Nostima niveivenosa
What is Nostima niveivenosa?
Nostima niveivenosa is a species in the family Ephydridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Nostima niveivenosa?
0.90 to 1.15 mm
Where is Nostima niveivenosa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Frequently this species occurs in grassy areas near human dwellings. |
| Range | Widespread in the Americas from Brazil & Bolivia north to Mexico & southern Florida, including the Caribbean. US records are confined to southern Florida , although guide images indicate it is also present in Texas. |