Phytomyptera melissopodis
This record describes Phytomyptera melissopodis (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other eastern Phytomyptera with similar color pattern by presence of three small bristles near the tip of vein R1 and male antenna triangular (not split into two forks).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Tachininae
- Tribe
- Graphogastrini
- Genus
- Phytomyptera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Contiguous USA and southern Canada.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The type specimen was reared from Cydia latiferreana (then in genus Melissopus , the source of the species name). The host catalog also lists the weevil genus Curculio . Both moth and weevil are associated with acorns and other tree nuts.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Phytomyptera melissopodis. 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 Phytomyptera melissopodis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytomyptera melissopodis
What is Phytomyptera melissopodis?
Phytomyptera melissopodis is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Phytomyptera melissopodis?
Distinguished from other eastern Phytomyptera with similar color pattern by presence of three small bristles near the tip of vein R1 and male antenna triangular (not split into two forks).
Where is Phytomyptera melissopodis found?
Range: Contiguous USA and southern Canada.
What does Phytomyptera melissopodis eat?
The diet of the Phytomyptera melissopodis includes The type specimen was reared from Cydia latiferreana (then in genus Melissopus , the source of the species name). The host catalog also lists the weevil genus Curculio . Both moth and weevil are associated with acorns and other tree nuts..