Homalactia harringtoni
This record describes Homalactia harringtoni (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tachininae
- Tribe
- Polideini
- Genus
- Homalactia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
USA and Canada, most commonly collected from 40-55 degrees latitude.
Seasonal Activity
Spring
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Parasitoid of hairstreaks (Lycaenidae, Theclinae) , mostly Callophrys .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for the collector of the type specimen, Mr. W. Hague Harrington.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Homalactia harringtoni. 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 Homalactia harringtoni (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Homalactia harringtoni
Where is Homalactia harringtoni found?
Range: USA and Canada, most commonly collected from 40-55 degrees latitude.
What does Homalactia harringtoni eat?
The diet of the Homalactia harringtoni includes Parasitoid of hairstreaks (Lycaenidae, Theclinae) , mostly Callophrys ..
When is Homalactia harringtoni active?
Homalactia harringtoni: seasonal activity - Spring.