Mallochohelea
Wirth, 1962
Species Guides
2Mallochohelea is a of biting midges ( Ceratopogonidae) established by Wirth in 1962. The genus contains at least 40 described , with 48 species currently recognized. Members are small, blood-feeding flies in the tribe Sphaeromiini.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mallochohelea: /ˌmæləkəʊˈhiːliə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Ceratopogonidae by characters established in Wirth's 1962 revision; specific diagnostic features require examination of wing venation, genitalia, and other microscopic morphological traits. Separation from related genera in tribe Sphaeromiini necessitates taxonomic knowledge.
Distribution
Records exist from Denmark (DK), Norway (NO), and Sweden (SE); broader distribution likely extends to other regions but specific range data for the as a whole is incomplete.
Human Relevance
As biting midges, members likely participate in nuisance biting and may act as for agents, though specific vector roles for Mallochohelea remain undocumented in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Other Sphaeromiini generaShare tribal-level characteristics requiring detailed morphological examination to distinguish; Mallochohelea separated by -level diagnostic features in Wirth's original description.
- Ceratopogonidae (family)All biting midges share small size and blood-feeding habits; Mallochohelea distinguished at level by specific morphological characters.