Gymnocheta viridis
This record describes Gymnocheta viridis (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 6 to 12 mm. Gymnocheta viridis is a metallic green tachinid fly, its brassy abdomen and thorax are covered by stiff bristly hairs. Gymnocheta viridis is very similar to Chrysosomopsis aurata but this species flies in the summer so can be largely discounted as a confusion species in Spring. They can be distinguished by counting the rows of dorso-central bristles on the thorax behind the suture line. G. viridis has 4 rows whilst C. aurata has 3. (Note: dorso-central bristles are not in the middle of the thorax but midway to the wing bases, the central bristles are acrostichals). Often around woodland edge or other well wooded areas. Mainly a springtime species that can be seen from April to early June. The adults feed on pollen and nectar, whilst the larva feed on caterpillars etc. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales, less well recorded elsewhere in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Gymnocheta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often around woodland edge or other well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly a springtime species that can be seen from April to early June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adults feed on pollen and nectar, whilst the larva feed on caterpillars etc.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales, less well recorded elsewhere in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Gymnocheta viridis. 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 Gymnocheta viridis (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gymnocheta viridis
What is Gymnocheta viridis?
Gymnocheta viridis is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Gymnocheta viridis?
6 to 12 mm.
Where is Gymnocheta viridis found?
Habitat: Often around woodland edge or other well wooded areas.
When is Gymnocheta viridis active?
Gymnocheta viridis: seasonal activity - Mainly a springtime species that can be seen from April to early June..
What is the life cycle of a Gymnocheta viridis?
The adults feed on pollen and nectar, whilst the larva feed on caterpillars etc.