Freraea montana
This record describes Freraea montana (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Once identified as Tachinidae, it is very distinctive with the gradually convergent R4+5 and M veins, nearly bare body, and dark, shining color with dark wings. It was previously placed in subfamily Phasiinae with other bare species, but genital characters suggest it belongs to Dexiinae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Dexiinae
- Tribe
- Voriini
- Genus
- Freraea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread in boreal and montane regions of North America. Range and habitat probably are the same as the host species.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The only known host is the ground beetle Amara quenseli . The European species is also a parasite of adult Amara .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The species was first found in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Freraea montana. 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 Freraea montana (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Freraea montana
What is Freraea montana?
Freraea montana is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Freraea montana?
About 4 mm
How do you identify Freraea montana?
Once identified as Tachinidae, it is very distinctive with the gradually convergent R4+5 and M veins, nearly bare body, and dark, shining color with dark wings. It was previously placed in subfamily Phasiinae with other bare species, but genital characters suggest it belongs to Dexiinae.
Where is Freraea montana found?
Range: Widespread in boreal and montane regions of North America. Range and habitat probably are the same as the host species.
What does Freraea montana eat?
The diet of the Freraea montana includes The only known host is the ground beetle Amara quenseli . The European species is also a parasite of adult Amara ..