Pales pavida
This record describes Pales pavida (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 10 mm. A very bristly blue black tachinid fly with hairy eyes, strong facial-ridge bristles that are downward-pointing, paler tibiae and a blueish cast to the body colour. Two flight periods - late May/early June and early July to late September. It is a parasite of moths such as the Yellow Underwing family. Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Pales
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Two flight periods - late May/early June and early July to late September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a parasite of moths such as the Yellow Underwing family.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pales pavida. 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 Pales pavida (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pales pavida
What is Pales pavida?
Pales pavida is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Pales pavida?
about 10 mm. A very bristly blue black tachinid fly with hairy eyes, strong facial-ridge bristles that are downward-pointing, paler tibiae and a blueish cast to the body colour.
Where is Pales pavida found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Pales pavida active?
Pales pavida: seasonal activity - Two flight periods - late May/early June and early July to late September..
What is the life cycle of a Pales pavida?
It is a parasite of moths such as the Yellow Underwing family.