Thecodiplosis brachynteroides
This record describes Thecodiplosis brachynteroides (species). Recorded family: Cecidomyiidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Possibly synonymous with T. pinirigidae on pitch pine; the two species are indistinguishable other than by host plant.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Sciaroidea
- Family
- Cecidomyiidae (Gall Midges and Wood Midges)
- Subfamily
- Cecidomyiinae
- Tribe
- Cecidomyiini
- Genus
- Thecodiplosis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
MD to VA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Pinus virginiana
Life History
Mature larvae crawl out through the top of the gall and drop to the ground in October. Pupation and adult emergence take place in early spring.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Thecodiplosis brachynteroides. 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 Thecodiplosis brachynteroides (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Thecodiplosis brachynteroides
What is Thecodiplosis brachynteroides?
Thecodiplosis brachynteroides is a species in the family Cecidomyiidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Thecodiplosis brachynteroides found?
Range: MD to VA
What does Thecodiplosis brachynteroides eat?
The diet of the Thecodiplosis brachynteroides includes Pinus virginiana.
What is the life cycle of a Thecodiplosis brachynteroides?
Mature larvae crawl out through the top of the gall and drop to the ground in October. Pupation and adult emergence take place in early spring.