Tipulogaster glabrata
This record describes Tipulogaster glabrata (species). Recorded family: Asilidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
the shellacked look of the thoracic dorsum distinctive among thin Leptogaster ( Herschel Raney )
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
QC-FL to NE-TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Like others of this group, glean stationary prey from vegetation. Sometimes take spiders in their webs ( discussion )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tipulogaster glabrata ( Wiedemann 1828)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tipulogaster glabrata. 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 Tipulogaster glabrata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tipulogaster glabrata
What is Tipulogaster glabrata?
Tipulogaster glabrata is a species in the family Asilidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Tipulogaster glabrata?
the shellacked look of the thoracic dorsum distinctive among thin Leptogaster ( Herschel Raney )
Where is Tipulogaster glabrata found?
Range: QC-FL to NE-TX
What does Tipulogaster glabrata eat?
The diet of the Tipulogaster glabrata includes Like others of this group, glean stationary prey from vegetation. Sometimes take spiders in their webs ( discussion ).