Dark-winged Black
Pachygaster atra
This record describes Pachygaster atra (species). Recorded family: Stratiomyidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of our five pachygasterine soldierflies - small, black, dumpy species with mouth edge not produced (in contrast to similar looking Nemotelus like N. nigrinus ). This is one of only two pachygasterines with the wings darkened at the base. It can be separated from the other one, Eupachygaster tarsalis , by the more globular head and swollen occiput (rim) behind the eyes, plus the rounded base to the scutellum. A photo is generally required showing the scutellum and the darkened wings. Often found on the foliage of shrubs and trees. The larvae seem to be typically associated with dead wood (both detached and within living trees but have also been reared from a garden compost heap, decaying vegetation and leaf litter. This is a widespread and locally common species in southern Britain, becoming scarce in northern Britain and Wales. The larvae seem to be typically associated with dead wood (both detached and within living trees but have also been reared from a garden compost heap, decaying vegetation and leaf litter.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Stratiomyidae
- Genus
- Pachygaster
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often found on the foliage of shrubs and trees.
Seasonal Activity
Summer and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae seem to be typically associated with dead wood (both detached and within living trees but have also been reared from a garden compost heap, decaying vegetation and leaf litter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This is a widespread and locally common species in southern Britain, becoming scarce in northern Britain and Wales. The larvae seem to be typically associated with dead wood (both detached and within living trees but have also been reared from a garden compost heap, decaying vegetation and leaf litter.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pachygaster atra. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark-winged Black
What is Dark-winged Black?
Dark-winged Black (Pachygaster atra) is a species in the family Stratiomyidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Dark-winged Black found?
Habitat: Often found on the foliage of shrubs and trees.
When is Dark-winged Black active?
Dark-winged Black: seasonal activity - Summer and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Dark-winged Black?
The larvae seem to be typically associated with dead wood (both detached and within living trees but have also been reared from a garden compost heap, decaying vegetation and leaf litter.