Rhipidia domestica
This record describes Rhipidia domestica (species). Recorded family: Limoniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Note the slightly expanded antennal segements and the pale color of the few antennal segments prior to the apical segment. -- Chen Young Rhipidia domestica have antennomeres 12 & 13 light, not R. duplicata . -- Matt Bertone Several related tropical species also have pale-banded antennae. One of them, Limonia schwarzi , reaches southern Florida.
Wikipedia reference for Rhipidia domestica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhipidia_domestica.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Limoniidae (Limoniid Crane Flies)
- Tribe
- Limoniini
- Genus
- Rhipidia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Mostly Southeastern and tropical, north to Connecticut
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Rhipidia domestica. 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 Rhipidia domestica (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chen Young; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhipidia domestica
What is Rhipidia domestica?
Rhipidia domestica is a species in the family Limoniidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Rhipidia domestica?
Note the slightly expanded antennal segements and the pale color of the few antennal segments prior to the apical segment. -- Chen Young Rhipidia domestica have antennomeres 12 & 13 light, not R. duplicata . -- Matt Bertone
Where is Rhipidia domestica found?
Range: Mostly Southeastern and tropical, north to Connecticut