Symplecta cana
This record describes Symplecta cana (species). Recorded family: Limoniidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
head and body medium gray with 3 dark gray stripes on top of thorax; legs long, unbanded, dark gray or blackish; several dark spots scattered across otherwise clear wings; S-shaped vein A2 is characteristic of genus Symplecta The first crane fly species to appear in the spring, when most vegetation has not yet started growing. Original page creation (of Erioptera cana by RM) based on Chen Young's identification of this image .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Limoniidae (Limoniid Crane Flies)
- Tribe
- Eriopterini
- Genus
- Symplecta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
larvae are found in saturated earth along water edges; adults occur in nearly all wooded and open grassland habitats
Geographic Range
widespread throughout North America also occurs in Central America
Seasonal Activity
spring and again in fall (common to abundant in spring; less conspicuous in fall)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
two generations per year
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Symplecta cana. 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 Symplecta cana (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chen Young; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Symplecta cana
What is Symplecta cana?
Symplecta cana is a species in the family Limoniidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Symplecta cana?
adult body length 6-7 mm
How do you identify Symplecta cana?
head and body medium gray with 3 dark gray stripes on top of thorax; legs long, unbanded, dark gray or blackish; several dark spots scattered across otherwise clear wings; S-shaped vein A2 is characteristic of genus Symplecta
Where is Symplecta cana found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | larvae are found in saturated earth along water edges; adults occur in nearly all wooded and open grassland habitats |
| Range | widespread throughout North America also occurs in Central America |
When is Symplecta cana active?
Symplecta cana: seasonal activity - spring and again in fall (common to abundant in spring; less conspicuous in fall).
What is the life cycle of a Symplecta cana?
two generations per year