Exorista rustica
This record describes Exorista rustica (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This tachinid fly has the characteristic hairy abdomen, and a wide, black, central dorsal line. They are often seen sunning themselves or scurrying around on foliage, hunting for their hosts. The adult flies from late June to late September. It is parasitic and lays eggs on the larvae of sawflies. Common and widespread in much of England and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Exorista
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
They are often seen sunning themselves or scurrying around on foliage, hunting for their hosts.
Seasonal Activity
The adult flies from late June to late September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is parasitic and lays eggs on the larvae of sawflies.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in much of England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Exorista rustica. 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 rustica (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Exorista rustica
What is Exorista rustica?
Exorista rustica is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Exorista rustica found?
Habitat: They are often seen sunning themselves or scurrying around on foliage, hunting for their hosts.
When is Exorista rustica active?
Exorista rustica: seasonal activity - The adult flies from late June to late September..
What is the life cycle of a Exorista rustica?
It is parasitic and lays eggs on the larvae of sawflies.