Physocephala rufipes
This record describes Physocephala rufipes (species). Recorded family: Conopidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7 to 15 mm. A strangely shaped fly with a 'waisted' appearance. The head and thorax area are quite broad, and the end of the abdomen has a bulbous ending. The adults are nectar feeders, regularly visiting flowers. Larvae parasitise bumblebees. Widespread and fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Physocephala rufipes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physocephala_rufipes.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Flower rich areas.
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adults are nectar feeders, regularly visiting flowers. Larvae parasitise bumblebees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in the southern half of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Physocephala rufipes. 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 Physocephala rufipes (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Physocephala rufipes
What is Physocephala rufipes?
Physocephala rufipes is a species in the family Conopidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Physocephala rufipes?
7 to 15 mm. A strangely shaped fly with a 'waisted' appearance. The head and thorax area are quite broad, and the end of the abdomen has a bulbous ending.
Where is Physocephala rufipes found?
Habitat: Flower rich areas.
When is Physocephala rufipes active?
Physocephala rufipes: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Physocephala rufipes?
The adults are nectar feeders, regularly visiting flowers. Larvae parasitise bumblebees.