Sepedon tenuicornis
This record describes Sepedon tenuicornis (species). Recorded family: Sciomyzidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Katatergite callus bare, pedicel about 5x as long as wide, hind femora usually distinctly darker apically, genitalia distinctive.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciomyzoidea
- Family
- Sciomyzidae (Marsh Flies, Snail-killing Flies)
- Tribe
- Tetanocerini
- Genus
- Sepedon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Fens, marshes
Geographic Range
Eastern US, west to Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas. Past records from Canada were found to be Sepedon gracilicornis. US: CT, DC, DE, KY, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, NE, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TX, VA, WI, WV
Seasonal Activity
Potentially year-round, overwinters as adult
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on freshwater pulmonate snails, including Helisoma and Physella.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sepedon tenuicornis Cresson 1920
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Sepedon tenuicornis. 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 Sepedon tenuicornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Sepedon tenuicornis
What is Sepedon tenuicornis?
Sepedon tenuicornis is a species in the family Sciomyzidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Sepedon tenuicornis?
Katatergite callus bare, pedicel about 5x as long as wide, hind femora usually distinctly darker apically, genitalia distinctive.
Where is Sepedon tenuicornis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Fens, marshes |
| Range | Eastern US, west to Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas. Past records from Canada were found to be Sepedon gracilicornis. US: CT, DC, DE, KY, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, NE, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TX, VA, WI, WV |
What does Sepedon tenuicornis eat?
The diet of the Sepedon tenuicornis includes Larvae feed on freshwater pulmonate snails, including Helisoma and Physella..
When is Sepedon tenuicornis active?
Sepedon tenuicornis: seasonal activity - Potentially year-round, overwinters as adult.