Meigenia mutabilis
This record describes Meigenia mutabilis (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
3-8.5 mm. A grey dusted tachinid with different looking males and females (males are darker). There are two forms where the smaller form (3-5mm) is generally darker. Males have a pair of narrow white stripes on the thorax which are aligned with the dorsocentrals. Males have a pair of pale spots on tergite 1 divided by a dark mid-line (view from behind) Pale dusting is also found on other tergites. Meigenia dorsalis is only distinguishable by checking the male genitalia. The larvae are parasitoids of chrysomelid beetle larvae and the larvae of Athalia sawflies. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Meigenia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland and woodland rides.
Seasonal Activity
April - September
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae are parasitoids of chrysomelid beetle larvae and the larvae of
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common in the south of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Meigenia mutabilis. 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 Meigenia mutabilis (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Meigenia mutabilis
What is Meigenia mutabilis?
Meigenia mutabilis is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Meigenia mutabilis found?
Habitat: Grassland and woodland rides.
When is Meigenia mutabilis active?
Meigenia mutabilis: seasonal activity - April - September.
What is the life cycle of a Meigenia mutabilis?
The larvae are parasitoids of chrysomelid beetle larvae and the larvae of