Exorista larvarum
This record describes Exorista larvarum (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A European species introduced into New England and now widespread in Canada as well. The key to central European Tachinidae lists habitat, habits, and hosts: Open countryside, thin deciduous woodland, orchards, Pine forest. Mid May to End September, especially End July to Early September, at least 2 generations. Usually on flowers; not rare, easier to rear from the host than to catch in open areas. Numerous Lymantriidae, Lasiocampidae, Noctuidae, Arctiidae and Zygaenidae, rare on Sphingidae, Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Notodontidae, Geometridae and Endromididae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Exoristinae
- Tribe
- Exoristini
- Genus
- Exorista
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Lepidoptera larvae, mainly Lymantriidae and Lasiocampidae. It attacks the Spongy Moth ( Lymantria dispar ) and Lymantria monacha L. Used as biocontrol
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Exorista larvarum. 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 Exorista larvarum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , PaleoJon