Tipula apicalis
This record describes Tipula apicalis (species). Recorded family: Tipulidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wing cells beyond cord of wing darkened, wing apex narrowly but conspicuously darkened (the most distinct character)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
locally abundant in forest edges and also on herbaceous plants in grassy fields; larvae in rich humid woodland soil with pieces of rotting wood
Geographic Range
NS‒ON to TN‒NC
Seasonal Activity
One spring generation, May‒Jun in PA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tipula apicalis Loew 1863
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tipula apicalis. 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 Tipula apicalis (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chen Young; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tipula apicalis
What is Tipula apicalis?
Tipula apicalis is a species in the family Tipulidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Tipula apicalis?
12‒16 mm
How do you identify Tipula apicalis?
Wing cells beyond cord of wing darkened, wing apex narrowly but conspicuously darkened (the most distinct character)
Where is Tipula apicalis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | locally abundant in forest edges and also on herbaceous plants in grassy fields; larvae in rich humid woodland soil with pieces of rotting wood |
| Range | NS‒ON to TN‒NC |
When is Tipula apicalis active?
Tipula apicalis: seasonal activity - One spring generation, May‒Jun in PA.