Amobia signata
This record describes Amobia signata (species). Recorded family: Sarcophagidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A fly with a rather bluish grey chequered appearance. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Around the nests of its larval food source. The flesh fly Amobia signata is what is known as a 'cleptoparasite'. It lays its eggs in the nests of solitary bees and wasps. When the larvae hatch, they eat the food provided by the adult bee or wasp for its own larvae. Not well recorded in Britain but seems more frequent in the southern half of the country. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Sarcophagidae
- Genus
- Amobia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around the nests of its larval food source.
Seasonal Activity
Best May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The flesh fly
Additional species information
Recorded status
Not well recorded in Britain but seems more frequent in the southern half of the country.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Amobia signata. 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 Amobia signata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Amobia signata
What is Amobia signata?
Amobia signata is a species in the family Sarcophagidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Amobia signata found?
Habitat: Around the nests of its larval food source.
When is Amobia signata active?
Amobia signata: seasonal activity - Best May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Amobia signata?
The flesh fly