Protoplasa fitchii
This record describes Protoplasa fitchii (species). Recorded family: Tanyderidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
heavily pigmented wings have distinctive pattern rare: fewer than 100 adult specimens in museum collections
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Tanyderidae (Primitive Crane Flies)
- Genus
- Protoplasa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
larvae occur in sandy soil at margins of large streams
Geographic Range
Quebec and Nova Scotia to northern Florida
Seasonal Activity
adults emerge in March or April in the south; May or June in the north, and live only a day or two
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for Dr. Asa Fitch , who gave the type specimens to Baron Osten Sacken .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Protoplasa fitchii. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Protoplasa fitchii
What is Protoplasa fitchii?
Protoplasa fitchii is a species in the family Tanyderidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Protoplasa fitchii?
about 10 mm
How do you identify Protoplasa fitchii?
heavily pigmented wings have distinctive pattern
Where is Protoplasa fitchii found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | larvae occur in sandy soil at margins of large streams |
| Range | Quebec and Nova Scotia to northern Florida |
When is Protoplasa fitchii active?
Protoplasa fitchii: seasonal activity - adults emerge in March or April in the south; May or June in the north, and live only a day or two.