Phania funesta
This record describes Phania funesta (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3.5 to 5 mm. Glossy black with pale 'shoulders' (dusted humeri and notopleuri). Very bristly. Phania thoracica is the only other species in the genus and is a rare species found in the south. It has a more reddish abdomen, is larger (4.5-7mm) with 8-10 preapical bristles on the hind tibia. Believed to be a parasite of shieldbugs.
Wikipedia reference for Phania funesta: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phania_funesta.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Phania
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and flower meadows.
Seasonal Activity
Summer to early autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Believed to be a parasite of shieldbugs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common in the south of England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phania funesta. 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 Phania funesta (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phania funesta
What is Phania funesta?
Phania funesta is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Phania funesta?
3.5 to 5 mm. Glossy black with pale 'shoulders' (dusted humeri and notopleuri). Very bristly.
Where is Phania funesta found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and flower meadows.
When is Phania funesta active?
Phania funesta: seasonal activity - Summer to early autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Phania funesta?
Believed to be a parasite of shieldbugs.