Threticus bicolor
This record describes Threticus bicolor (species). Recorded family: Psychodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
...the male has the distinct black and white coloration, as well as longer and wider antennae. The female is more drab, with narrow antennae. (Dr. Curler's comment)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Family
- Psychodidae (Moth Flies and Sand Flies)
- Subfamily
- Psychodinae
- Tribe
- Psychodini
- Genus
- Threticus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae are found among decaying leaves along the margins of small springs and seeps.
Geographic Range
QC-VA-MI
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Threticus bicolor (Banks 1894)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Threticus bicolor. 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 Threticus bicolor (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by metrioptera; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Threticus bicolor
What is Threticus bicolor?
Threticus bicolor is a species in the family Psychodidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Threticus bicolor?
...the male has the distinct black and white coloration, as well as longer and wider antennae. The female is more drab, with narrow antennae. (Dr. Curler's comment)
Where is Threticus bicolor found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae are found among decaying leaves along the margins of small springs and seeps. |
| Range | QC-VA-MI |