Oxyna parietina
This record describes Oxyna parietina (species). Recorded family: and care is needed with identification.. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
A Tephritid fly with heavily patterned wings. There are several similar members in this family and care is needed with identification. Various habitats, but often where Mugwort is present. The larvae bore into the stems of Mugwort. Widespread in England but this group is not well recorded and it is difficult to determine exact status.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Genus
- Oxyna
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, but often where Mugwort is present.
Seasonal Activity
Summer and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larvae bore into the stems of Mugwort.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England but this group is not well recorded and it is difficult to determine exact status.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Oxyna parietina. 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 Oxyna parietina (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxyna parietina
What is Oxyna parietina?
Oxyna parietina is a species in the family and care is needed with identification., within the order Diptera.
Where is Oxyna parietina found?
Habitat: Various habitats, but often where Mugwort is present.
When is Oxyna parietina active?
Oxyna parietina: seasonal activity - Summer and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Oxyna parietina?
The larvae bore into the stems of Mugwort.