Trimerina madizans
This record describes Trimerina madizans (species). Recorded family: Ephydridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Sharply margined abdomen, no prescutellar arcostichal setae, lateral vertical setae absent. Similar to some other related Ephydridae (such as Leptopsilopa) but the above characters combined with the foreleg coloration (tibia and tarsi black, femur and coxae yellow) distinguish this species. Note though that this leg pattern is also present in some Leptopsilopa.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Ephydroidea
- Family
- Ephydridae (Shore Flies)
- Subfamily
- Discomyzinae
- Genus
- Trimerina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Moist meadows and open wetlands. Dense growth of herbaceous vegetation seems to be preferred.
Geographic Range
Northern transcontinental in North America. Holarctic, so also in Europe. Ontario to Saskatchewan & Montana, south to New York, Colorado, & California.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on eggs of spiders belonging to Micryphantidae (now considered part of Linyphiidae). Hypselistes florens (Cambridge) was found as the only host during a study in Ohio.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Trimerina madizans. 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 Trimerina madizans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Trimerina madizans
What is Trimerina madizans?
Trimerina madizans is a species in the family Ephydridae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Trimerina madizans?
Sharply margined abdomen, no prescutellar arcostichal setae, lateral vertical setae absent. Similar to some other related Ephydridae (such as Leptopsilopa) but the above characters combined with the foreleg coloration (tibia and tarsi black, femur and coxae yellow) distinguish this species. Note though that this leg pattern is also present in some Leptopsilopa.
Where is Trimerina madizans found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Moist meadows and open wetlands. Dense growth of herbaceous vegetation seems to be preferred. |
| Range | Northern transcontinental in North America. Holarctic, so also in Europe. Ontario to Saskatchewan & Montana, south to New York, Colorado, & California. |
What does Trimerina madizans eat?
The diet of the Trimerina madizans includes Larvae feed on eggs of spiders belonging to Micryphantidae (now considered part of Linyphiidae). Hypselistes florens (Cambridge) was found as the only host during a study in Ohio..