Zavreliella marmorata
This record describes Zavreliella marmorata (species). Recorded family: Chironomidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The combination of wing markings, leg markings, color, and expanded front femur is sufficient to identify this midge. Wing markings may be very faint. Some European populations are parthenogenic.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Chironomoidea
- Family
- Chironomidae (Non-biting Midges)
- Subfamily
- Chironominae
- Tribe
- Chironomini
- Genus
- Zavreliella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
"Breeds in shallow water on the margins of the lakes." -- Hauber 1947 "Larvae are found in marshes, vegetation-choked, eutrophic ponds and lakes, and the sluggish portions of streams and rivers, where they swim around in their hydroptilid caddisfly-like silken cases."
Geographic Range
Cosmopolitan, except for South America where a complex of related species replaces it
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Marmorata means marbled
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Zavreliella marmorata. 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 Zavreliella marmorata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Zavreliella marmorata
What is Zavreliella marmorata?
Zavreliella marmorata is a species in the family Chironomidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Zavreliella marmorata?
Adult about 3 mm, larval case about 7 mm
How do you identify Zavreliella marmorata?
The combination of wing markings, leg markings, color, and expanded front femur is sufficient to identify this midge. Wing markings may be very faint.
Where is Zavreliella marmorata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Breeds in shallow water on the margins of the lakes. -- Hauber 1947 Larvae are found in marshes, vegetation-choked, eutrophic ponds and lakes, and the sluggish portions of streams and rivers, where they swim around in their hydroptilid caddisfly-like silken cases. |
| Range | Cosmopolitan, except for South America where a complex of related species replaces it |