Paratendipes albimanus
This record describes Paratendipes albimanus (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | Glossy black thorax with blackish brown abdomen. Fore legs blackish brown except: basal 0.35 of femora lighter brown; basitarsus white with darkened apex. Mid and hind legs lighter brown except apical 0.65 of femora, apex of tibiae and apical tarsal segments blackish. Wing veins brownish with base of wing often appearing paler than rest of the wing. Apex of genitalia paler brown. |
| Female | Similar with male except usual sexual differences. |
Wikipedia reference for Paratendipes albimanus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paratendipes_albimanus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Chironomidae (Non-biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Chironominae
- Tribe
- Chironomini
- Genus
- Paratendipes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
California to Alberta, New Brunswick, South Carolina, Texas.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are typically most common from April to August.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Albimanus is Latin for "white hand", a reference to the white front basitarsus.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Paratendipes albimanus. 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 Paratendipes albimanus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Zoology123
Frequently Asked Questions About Paratendipes albimanus
What is Paratendipes albimanus?
Paratendipes albimanus is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Paratendipes albimanus?
Male: Wing length about 2.2 mm, fore leg ratio about 1.3, antennal ratio about 1.6
How do you identify Paratendipes albimanus?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | Glossy black thorax with blackish brown abdomen. Fore legs blackish brown except: basal 0.35 of femora lighter brown; basitarsus white with darkened apex. Mid and hind legs lighter brown except apical 0.65 of femora, apex of tibiae and apical tarsal segments blackish. Wing veins brownish with base of wing often appearing paler than rest of the wing. Apex of genitalia paler brown. |
| Female | Similar with male except usual sexual differences. |
Where is Paratendipes albimanus found?
Range: California to Alberta, New Brunswick, South Carolina, Texas.
When is Paratendipes albimanus active?
Paratendipes albimanus: seasonal activity - Adults are typically most common from April to August..