Tipula ludoviciana
This record describes Tipula ludoviciana (species). Recorded family: Tipulidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Tipula ludoviciana is allied to, and superficially resembles, T. sayi Alex. ( costalis Say) which has the antennae of the male short, about reaching the base of the abdomen; no dark seam along the vein Cu; the petiole of cell M1 much shorter, and the colorational and hypopygial details different. This new species of Tipula has the male antennae of a length that is quite unique among the known nearctic species of the genus, but which is equalled or exceeded in certain exotic forms. (Alexander, 1919)
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Florida, Louisiana
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tipula ludoviciana. 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 ludoviciana (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Tipula ludoviciana
What is Tipula ludoviciana?
Tipula ludoviciana is a species in the family Tipulidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Tipula ludoviciana?
Tipula ludoviciana is allied to, and superficially resembles, T. sayi Alex. ( costalis Say) which has the antennae of the male short, about reaching the base of the abdomen; no dark seam along the vein Cu; the petiole of cell M1 much shorter, and the colorational and hypopygial details different. This new species of Tipula has the male antennae of a length that is quite unique among the known nearctic species of the genus, but which is equalled or exceeded in certain exotic forms. (Alexander, 1919)
Where is Tipula ludoviciana found?
Range: Florida, Louisiana