Cistogaster globosa
This record describes Cistogaster globosa (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small fly (about 5 mm). The female abdomen is mainly black, but the males, although variable, have much more orange in their markings. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Dry grassland sites where the host shieldbugs are likely to be found. Predates shieldbugs of the genus Aelia (belonging to the family Pentatomidae) and notably Bishop's Mitre Shieldbug (Aelia acuminata) in Britain. Occasionally recorded from scattered sites in the south-eastern corner of Britain, uncommon elsewhere but possibly expanding its range northwards as the climate gets warmer.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Cistogaster
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Dry grassland sites where the host shieldbugs are likely to be found.
Seasonal Activity
Summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Predates shieldbugs of the genus Aelia (belonging to the family Pentatomidae) and notably Bishop's Mitre Shieldbug (Aelia acuminata) in Britain.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Occasionally recorded from scattered sites in the south-eastern corner of Britain, uncommon elsewhere but possibly expanding its range northwards as the climate gets warmer.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Cistogaster globosa. 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 Cistogaster globosa (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cistogaster globosa
What is Cistogaster globosa?
Cistogaster globosa is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Cistogaster globosa found?
Habitat: Dry grassland sites where the host shieldbugs are likely to be found.
When is Cistogaster globosa active?
Cistogaster globosa: seasonal activity - Summer..
What is the life cycle of a Cistogaster globosa?
Predates shieldbugs of the genus Aelia (belonging to the family Pentatomidae) and notably Bishop's Mitre Shieldbug (Aelia acuminata) in Britain.