Leschenaultia halisidotae
This record describes Leschenaultia halisidotae (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
- Exoristinae
- Tribe
- Goniini
- Genus
- Leschenaultia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
BC-CA east to QC-VA-TN.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae are parasitoids of caterpillars of genera Halysidota & Lophocampa .
Life History
Like other members of tribe Goniini, lays micro-type eggs on food plants of hosts near feeding damage, which are then accidentally consumed by host caterpillars. The eggs hatch upon ingestion, and larvae develop inside the caterpillar.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Leschenaultia halisidotae. 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 Leschenaultia halisidotae (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ben Coulter
Frequently Asked Questions About Leschenaultia halisidotae
Where is Leschenaultia halisidotae found?
Range: BC-CA east to QC-VA-TN.
What does Leschenaultia halisidotae eat?
The diet of the Leschenaultia halisidotae includes Larvae are parasitoids of caterpillars of genera Halysidota & Lophocampa ..
What is the life cycle of a Leschenaultia halisidotae?
Like other members of tribe Goniini, lays micro-type eggs on food plants of hosts near feeding damage, which are then accidentally consumed by host caterpillars. The eggs hatch upon ingestion, and larvae develop inside the caterpillar.