Phasia chilensis
This record describes Phasia chilensis (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Lower frons with a few hairs outside of frontal bristles; two katepisternal bristles; face not projecting at bottom (no chin); thorax with distinct stripes; abdomen black with a variable amount of yellowish pruinosity on last two segments.
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
Northern USA to South America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: This widespread New World species was originally described based on a specimen from Chile.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phasia chilensis. 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 chilensis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Phasia chilensis
What is Phasia chilensis?
Phasia chilensis is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Phasia chilensis?
Lower frons with a few hairs outside of frontal bristles; two katepisternal bristles; face not projecting at bottom (no chin); thorax with distinct stripes; abdomen black with a variable amount of yellowish pruinosity on last two segments.
Where is Phasia chilensis found?
Range: Northern USA to South America