Ptychoptera quadrifasciata
This record describes Ptychoptera quadrifasciata (species). Recorded family: Ptychopteridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Western populations of Ptychoptera quadrifasciata are probably an undescribed species.
Wikipedia reference for Ptychoptera quadrifasciata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ptychoptera_quadrifasciata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Ptychopteridae (Phantom and Fold-winged Crane Flies)
- Genus
- Ptychoptera (Fold-winged Crane Flies)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"The immature stages are aquatic or nearly so, found mainly in saturated mud at the margins of streams or in swales."
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ptychoptera quadrifasciata. 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 Ptychoptera quadrifasciata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Ptychoptera quadrifasciata
What is Ptychoptera quadrifasciata?
Ptychoptera quadrifasciata is a species in the family Ptychopteridae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Ptychoptera quadrifasciata?
7-9 mm
Where is Ptychoptera quadrifasciata found?
Habitat: The immature stages are aquatic or nearly so, found mainly in saturated mud at the margins of streams or in swales.