Archytas metallicus
This record describes Archytas metallicus (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
In most of its range (except for the Florida Keys), distinguished by the dark brown calypters. Otherwise, slightly shining and with dark hairs on the side of the face. The abdomen varies from mostly red with a narrow black line to nearly black with only faintly visible reddish patches. Similar to the more bristly Juriniopsis adusta , separated by the only one pair of median marginal setae on tergite 3/second abdominal segment.
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
Geographic Range
Most of contiguous USA, Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Parasitoid of Datana (Noctuoidea); other host records are suspect.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Archytas metallicus. 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 metallicus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by cotinis , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Archytas metallicus
What is Archytas metallicus?
Archytas metallicus is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Archytas metallicus?
In most of its range (except for the Florida Keys), distinguished by the dark brown calypters. Otherwise, slightly shining and with dark hairs on the side of the face. The abdomen varies from mostly red with a narrow black line to nearly black with only faintly visible reddish patches. Similar to the more bristly Juriniopsis adusta , separated by the only one pair of median marginal setae on tergite 3/second abdominal segment.
Where is Archytas metallicus found?
Range: Most of contiguous USA, Mexico
What does Archytas metallicus eat?
The diet of the Archytas metallicus includes Parasitoid of Datana (Noctuoidea); other host records are suspect..