Nowickia ferox
This record describes Nowickia ferox (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
11-15mm, about the size of a large bluebottle. It has yellow-orange side patches to the abdomen and a black zig-zag central band. Like all Tachinids it has numerous bristly hairs on the abdomen. The maggot stage of the fly develops inside the Dark Arches moth, eating it from within, and then emerging to pupate. This species is distributed in the southern half of Britain, mainly in southern England and South Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Nowickia ferox: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nowickia_ferox.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Nowickia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time is June to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The maggot stage of the fly develops inside the Dark Arches moth, eating it from within, and then emerging to pupate.
Additional species information
Recorded status
This species is distributed in the southern half of Britain, mainly in southern England and South Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Nowickia ferox. 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 Nowickia ferox (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nowickia ferox
What is Nowickia ferox?
Nowickia ferox is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Nowickia ferox?
of a large bluebottle. It has yellow-orange side patches to the abdomen and a black zig-zag central band. Like all Tachinids it has numerous bristly hairs on the abdomen.
Where is Nowickia ferox found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Nowickia ferox active?
Nowickia ferox: seasonal activity - Peak time is June to August..
What is the life cycle of a Nowickia ferox?
The maggot stage of the fly develops inside the Dark Arches moth, eating it from within, and then emerging to pupate.