Phasia fenestrata
This record describes Phasia fenestrata (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The presence of yellow tibiae uniquely distinguishes this taxon among the 14 nearctic species treated in Sun & Marshall , though the tibiae may also be brown (and the fore-tibiae black). All other nearctic species of Phasia have tibiae black to brown. Head anteriorly compressed; dorsum of thorax with yellow or yellow-gray pruinosity and 4 black vittae; abdomen black with yellow patches. Males with patterned wings; females with hyaline wings.
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
Northwest Territories, Alberta, Nevada, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, Ontario, Québec, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The epithet fenestrata translates as "windowed" from Latin. Presumably this refers to the open patches within the darkened areas of the male wings.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phasia fenestrata. 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 fenestrata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Martin Hauser; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Phasia fenestrata
What is Phasia fenestrata?
Phasia fenestrata is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Phasia fenestrata?
7-11mm
How do you identify Phasia fenestrata?
The presence of yellow tibiae uniquely distinguishes this taxon among the 14 nearctic species treated in Sun & Marshall , though the tibiae may also be brown (and the fore-tibiae black). All other nearctic species of Phasia have tibiae black to brown. Head anteriorly compressed; dorsum of thorax with yellow or yellow-gray pruinosity and 4 black vittae; abdomen black with yellow patches. Males with patterned wings; females with hyaline wings.
Where is Phasia fenestrata found?
Range: Northwest Territories, Alberta, Nevada, Kansas, Indiana, Michigan, Ontario, Québec, New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina