Mintho rufiventris
This record describes Mintho rufiventris (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 8 to 11 mm. This is a relatively small and slender tachnid fly. It is a dark, bristly species with red markings on the sides of its abdomen. It has two broad longitudinal black bars on the thorax and the abdomen laterally compressed (higher than it is wide, though this can be difficult to judge) but always wider nearest to the thorax, tapering to the tip and about as long as the head+thorax. Strong median discal bristles are present and the wing has a very short petiole. Eriothrix rufomaculata is similar, and very common. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features, then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. The adults feed on pollen and nectar, and the larvae is mainly a parasite of Pyralidae moth caterpillars. Widespread in England, with most records coming from the south of England and the Midlands. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Mintho rufiventris: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mintho_rufiventris.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Mintho
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
May to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adults feed on pollen and nectar, and the larvae is mainly a parasite of Pyralidae moth caterpillars.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England, with most records coming from the south of England and the Midlands.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Mintho rufiventris. 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 Mintho rufiventris (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mintho rufiventris
What is Mintho rufiventris?
Mintho rufiventris is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Mintho rufiventris?
8 to 11 mm. This is a relatively small and slender tachnid fly. It is a dark, bristly species with red markings on the sides of its abdomen. It has two broad longitudinal black bars on the thorax and the abdomen laterally compressed (higher than it is wide, though this can be difficult to judge) but always wider nearest to the thorax, tapering to the tip and about as long as the head+thorax. Strong median discal bristles are present and the wing has a very short petiole.
Where is Mintho rufiventris found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Mintho rufiventris active?
Mintho rufiventris: seasonal activity - May to October..
What is the life cycle of a Mintho rufiventris?
The adults feed on pollen and nectar, and the larvae is mainly a parasite of Pyralidae moth caterpillars.