Polypedilum braseniae
This record describes Polypedilum braseniae (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The notch between male abdominal segments 7 and 8 is unique to this genus and part of tribe Tanytarsini. The combination of a distinct, angled R-M crossvein and a notch indicate Polypedilum . (taken from a comment by John F. Carr)
Wikipedia reference for Polypedilum braseniae: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypedilum_braseniae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Chironomidae (Non-biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Chironominae
- Tribe
- Chironomini
- Genus
- Polypedilum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: "Larvae are usually found mining in the top surface of the floating leaves of the aquatic plants Brasenia schreberi and Nymphaea odorata ."
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Polypedilum braseniae. 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 Polypedilum braseniae (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Polypedilum braseniae
What is Polypedilum braseniae?
Polypedilum braseniae is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Polypedilum braseniae?
The notch between male abdominal segments 7 and 8 is unique to this genus and part of tribe Tanytarsini. The combination of a distinct, angled R-M crossvein and a notch indicate Polypedilum . (taken from a comment by John F. Carr)
What does Polypedilum braseniae eat?
The diet of the Polypedilum braseniae includes Larvae are usually found mining in the top surface of the floating leaves of the aquatic plants Brasenia schreberi and Nymphaea odorata ..