Goniocera io
This record describes Goniocera io (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other North American Siphononi by the row of anterodorsal bristles on mid tibia (one or sometimes none in other genera). Also the scutellum is nearly bare dorsally (with many setulae in most Siphonini), femora are dark, tibiae are pale, and the body has a mottled appearance with spots at insertion of bristles tending to coalesce into brown patches. Vein R4+5 has several bristles between base and r-m, as normal in Siphonini, but other veins are bare. Both the BugGuide photo and the TachImage Gallery photo show a short spur in the middle of dm-cu.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tachininae
- Tribe
- Siphonini
- Genus
- Goniocera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Northeast USA and adjacent Canada
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae have been reported as parasites of Malacosoma (tent caterpillar moths).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Goniocera io. 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 Goniocera io (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Goniocera io
What is Goniocera io?
Goniocera io is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Goniocera io?
Distinguished from other North American Siphononi by the row of anterodorsal bristles on mid tibia (one or sometimes none in other genera). Also the scutellum is nearly bare dorsally (with many setulae in most Siphonini), femora are dark, tibiae are pale, and the body has a mottled appearance with spots at insertion of bristles tending to coalesce into brown patches. Vein R4+5 has several bristles between base and r-m, as normal in Siphonini, but other veins are bare. Both the BugGuide photo and the TachImage Gallery photo show a short spur in the middle of dm-cu.
Where is Goniocera io found?
Range: Northeast USA and adjacent Canada
What does Goniocera io eat?
The diet of the Goniocera io includes Larvae have been reported as parasites of Malacosoma (tent caterpillar moths)..