Linnaemya comta
This record describes Linnaemya comta (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Western specimens tend to be redder than eastern. This supposedly holarctic species may consist of more than one species in North America Tachinidae of Gila National Forest
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tachininae
- Tribe
- Ernestiini
- Genus
- Linnaemya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread in North America and Europe
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae are parasitoids of Noctuidae. There is also one record from a Phyllophaga grub.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Linnaemya comta. 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 Linnaemya comta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Linnaemya comta
What is Linnaemya comta?
Linnaemya comta is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Linnaemya comta found?
Range: Widespread in North America and Europe
What does Linnaemya comta eat?
The diet of the Linnaemya comta includes Larvae are parasitoids of Noctuidae. There is also one record from a Phyllophaga grub..