Gastrolepta anthracina
This record describes Gastrolepta anthracina (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body length 6 to 8.5 mm. Overall appearance is of a very smart, slim, black and white fly. The thorax is black with two white 'shoulder' stripes and the abdomen is black with white, or greyish-white bands at the start of each tergite. In this species the abdomen is slightly shorter than the head+thorax, less heavily bristled; head proportionally quite wide compared to the thorax with a long, sloped frons, giving a streamlined profile. https://tachinidae.org.uk/blog/identifying-slim-black-tachinids-with-grey-dusting/ with a quality image showing the relevant features Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required, and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. It is thought that its host species is the Darkling Beetle, Lagria hirta. In Britain this species in found mostly around southern coasts and in south-eastern England.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Gastrolepta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland edge and hedgerows.
Seasonal Activity
Late May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is thought that its host species is the Darkling Beetle, Lagria hirta.
Additional species information
Recorded status
In Britain this species in found mostly around southern coasts and in south-eastern England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Gastrolepta anthracina. 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 Gastrolepta anthracina (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gastrolepta anthracina
What is Gastrolepta anthracina?
Gastrolepta anthracina is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Gastrolepta anthracina?
6 to 8.5 mm. Overall appearance is of a very smart, slim, black and white fly. The thorax is black with two white 'shoulder' stripes and the abdomen is black with white, or greyish-white bands at the start of each tergite. In this species the abdomen is slightly shorter than the head+thorax, less heavily bristled; head proportionally quite wide compared to the thorax with a long, sloped frons, giving a streamlined profile.
Where is Gastrolepta anthracina found?
Habitat: Woodland edge and hedgerows.
When is Gastrolepta anthracina active?
Gastrolepta anthracina: seasonal activity - Late May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Gastrolepta anthracina?
It is thought that its host species is the Darkling Beetle, Lagria hirta.