Uranotaenia lowii
This record describes Uranotaenia lowii (species). Recorded family: Culicidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
adorned with iridescent blue scales adults not know to bite man
Identification notes
adorned with iridescent blue scales
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
breeds in small pools and grassy margins of lakes.
Geographic Range
TX-FL / Mex to S. Amer. / W. Indies
Seasonal Activity
Larvae may be found throughout the year in Florida, but farther north they are limited to the summer and early fall months. ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Remington (1945) conducted a rather intensive study of the feeding habits of this species in Louisiana and observed that the females did not feed on man and reptiles but did feed on frogs, toads, and salamanders.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Uranotaenia lowii Theobald 1901
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Uranotaenia lowii. 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 Uranotaenia lowii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Sean McCann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Uranotaenia lowii
What is Uranotaenia lowii?
Uranotaenia lowii is a species in the family Culicidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Uranotaenia lowii?
female length 2.5 mm; wing 1.5 mm (very small)
How do you identify Uranotaenia lowii?
adorned with iridescent blue scales
Where is Uranotaenia lowii found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | breeds in small pools and grassy margins of lakes. |
| Range | TX-FL / Mex to S. Amer. / W. Indies |
When is Uranotaenia lowii active?
Uranotaenia lowii: seasonal activity - Larvae may be found throughout the year in Florida, but farther north they are limited to the summer and early fall months. ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Uranotaenia lowii?
Remington (1945) conducted a rather intensive study of the feeding habits of this species in Louisiana and observed that the females did not feed on man and reptiles but did feed on frogs, toads, and salamanders.