Phasia aurulans
This record describes Phasia aurulans (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
In males, a large golden-pruinose spot (roughly pentagonal in shape with tapered apex) is located on the post-sutural portion of the scutum (dorsum of thorax), as seen below: This thoracic spot is uniquely diagnostic of the male of P. aurulans , at least among nearctic species of Phasia (cf. Sun & Marshall ). Male P. aurulans also have relatively wide, pictured wings; and two yellowish-orange pruinose, postero-lateral spots on the 5th abdominal tergite. Females lack the gold spots on both the thorax and the 5th tergite, and have hyaline wings...thus they are more difficult to ID from a photo. (A key treating female P. aurulans appears in Sun & Marshall .)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Phasiinae
- Tribe
- Phasiini
- Genus
- Phasia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Holarctic. In North America: Ontario to Nova Scotia, south to Tennessee and Georgia; also Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Oregon
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Hemiptera, reported on Elasmucha lateralis
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phasia aurulans. 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 Phasia aurulans (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Phasia aurulans
What is Phasia aurulans?
Phasia aurulans is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Phasia aurulans?
Body Length: 7-9mm (females usually smaller than males)
How do you identify Phasia aurulans?
In males, a large golden-pruinose spot (roughly pentagonal in shape with tapered apex) is located on the post-sutural portion of the scutum (dorsum of thorax), as seen below: This thoracic spot is uniquely diagnostic of the male of P. aurulans , at least among nearctic species of Phasia (cf. Sun & Marshall ). Male P. aurulans also have relatively wide, pictured wings; and two yellowish-orange pruinose, postero-lateral spots on the 5th abdominal tergite. Females lack the gold spots on both the thorax and the 5th tergite, and have hyaline wings...thus they are more difficult to ID from a photo. (A key treating female P. aurulans appears in Sun & Marshall .)
Where is Phasia aurulans found?
Range: Holarctic. In North America: Ontario to Nova Scotia, south to Tennessee and Georgia; also Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Oregon
What does Phasia aurulans eat?
The diet of the Phasia aurulans includes Hosts: Hemiptera, reported on Elasmucha lateralis.