Phasia hemiptera
This record describes Phasia hemiptera (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of a small group of distinctive Tachinid flies. This species is strongly sexually dimorphic the female has noticeable orange hair patches on the sides of the thorax, and the abdomen shows some subdued orange marking. The males are even more colourful with curved patterned wings. Various habitats, but usually in well wooded areas or around hedgerows etc. Flight period: early May to early August It is a parasite of Heteropteran bugs, with known hosts including Green Shieldbug and Forest Bug. The female lays her eggs on these insects and the larvae then develop inside the living host. Widespread and fairly frequent, particularly in the southern half of Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Phasia hemiptera: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phasia_hemiptera.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Phasia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, but usually in well wooded areas or around hedgerows etc.
Seasonal Activity
Flight period: early May to early August
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a parasite of Heteropteran bugs, with known hosts including Green Shieldbug and Forest Bug. The female lays her eggs on these insects and the larvae then develop inside the living host.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent, particularly in the southern half of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phasia hemiptera. 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 hemiptera (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phasia hemiptera
What is Phasia hemiptera?
Phasia hemiptera is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Phasia hemiptera found?
Habitat: Various habitats, but usually in well wooded areas or around hedgerows etc.
When is Phasia hemiptera active?
Phasia hemiptera: seasonal activity - Flight period: early May to early August.
What is the life cycle of a Phasia hemiptera?
It is a parasite of Heteropteran bugs, with known hosts including Green Shieldbug and Forest Bug. The female lays her eggs on these insects and the larvae then develop inside the living host.