Archytas apicifer
This record describes Archytas apicifer (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males can be separated from related species by the shape of sternite 5. Both sexes are less yellow on average than the other common species, californiae , but this is probably not reliable.
Wikipedia reference for Archytas apicifer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archytas_apicifer.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tachininae
- Tribe
- Tachinini
- Genus
- Archytas
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults often found on flowers. Larvae are parasitoids of noctuid moths.
Geographic Range
Throughout North America to South America
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed on flowers. Hosts: Corn Earworm ( Helicoverpa zea ), Tomato Fruitworm ( H. armigera ) ( 3 ) , Pearly Underwing ( Peridroma saucia ) and the armyworms Mythimna unipuncta, Spodoptera frugiperda, S. ornithogalli (Ravlin & Stehr 1984)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Archytas apicifer. 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 Archytas apicifer (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , Bbarnd , Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Archytas apicifer
What is Archytas apicifer?
Archytas apicifer is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Archytas apicifer?
10-15 mm
How do you identify Archytas apicifer?
Males can be separated from related species by the shape of sternite 5. Both sexes are less yellow on average than the other common species, californiae , but this is probably not reliable.
Where is Archytas apicifer found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults often found on flowers. Larvae are parasitoids of noctuid moths. |
| Range | Throughout North America to South America |
What does Archytas apicifer eat?
The diet of the Archytas apicifer includes Adults feed on flowers. Hosts: Corn Earworm ( Helicoverpa zea ), Tomato Fruitworm ( H. armigera ) ( 3 ) , Pearly Underwing ( Peridroma saucia ) and the armyworms Mythimna unipuncta, Spodoptera frugiperda, S. ornithogalli (Ravlin & Stehr 1984).