Pseudonomoneura tinkhami
This record describes Pseudonomoneura tinkhami (species). Recorded family: Mydidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Proboscis visible but short, about half the length of antennae or less...shorter than in P. californica, P. hirta and P. micheneri . (Proboscis in P. nelsoni is vestigial and virtually invisible.)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
All currently known records are from Inyo and southern Mono counties, CA...on the east side of the Sierra Nevada crest.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pseudonomoneura tinkhami. 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 Pseudonomoneura tinkhami (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudonomoneura tinkhami
What is Pseudonomoneura tinkhami?
Pseudonomoneura tinkhami is a species in the family Mydidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Pseudonomoneura tinkhami?
Holotype male: 12 mm
How do you identify Pseudonomoneura tinkhami?
Proboscis visible but short, about half the length of antennae or less...shorter than in P. californica, P. hirta and P. micheneri . (Proboscis in P. nelsoni is vestigial and virtually invisible.)
Where is Pseudonomoneura tinkhami found?
Range: All currently known records are from Inyo and southern Mono counties, CA...on the east side of the Sierra Nevada crest.