Eriothrix rufomaculata
This record describes Eriothrix rufomaculata (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a very common bristly black fly, with prominent orange patches on the sides of its abdomen. It has a silvery face and a mouth that projects forward. Aphria longirostris also has red abdominal patches but can be separated by its long rigid proboscis which projects out in front of the head. Adults are flower-feeders, visiting various flowers including umbellifers and flowers of the Daisy family. Larvae of this species are parasitic, developing inside the larvae of moths. Fairly common and widespread in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Eriothrix rufomaculata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eriothrix_rufomaculata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Eriothrix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults are flower-feeders, visiting various flowers including umbellifers and flowers of the Daisy family.
Seasonal Activity
June to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae of this species are parasitic, developing inside the larvae of moths.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Eriothrix rufomaculata. 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 Eriothrix rufomaculata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eriothrix rufomaculata
What is Eriothrix rufomaculata?
Eriothrix rufomaculata is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Eriothrix rufomaculata found?
Habitat: Adults are flower-feeders, visiting various flowers including umbellifers and flowers of the Daisy family.
When is Eriothrix rufomaculata active?
Eriothrix rufomaculata: seasonal activity - June to October..
What is the life cycle of a Eriothrix rufomaculata?
Larvae of this species are parasitic, developing inside the larvae of moths.