Protocalliphora bennetti
This record describes Protocalliphora bennetti (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Calliphoridae (Blow Flies)
- Subfamily
- Chrysomyinae
- Genus
- Protocalliphora (Bird Blow Flies)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larvae can be found in bird nests.
Geographic Range
Extends northwest from the east coast across Canada to Alaska and south to Idaho in the west .
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Frequently found in cavity nests of house wrens and chickadees, as well as tree swallows .
Life History
The larvae of these flies live in bird nests and are parasites on bird chicks.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Protocalliphora bennetti Whitworth 2003 Named for Dr. Gordon Bennett of the Memorial University of Newfoundland
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Protocalliphora bennetti. 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 Protocalliphora bennetti (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Andrew Meeds
Frequently Asked Questions About Protocalliphora bennetti
Where is Protocalliphora bennetti found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larvae can be found in bird nests. |
| Range | Extends northwest from the east coast across Canada to Alaska and south to Idaho in the west . |
What does Protocalliphora bennetti eat?
The diet of the Protocalliphora bennetti includes Frequently found in cavity nests of house wrens and chickadees, as well as tree swallows ..
What is the life cycle of a Protocalliphora bennetti?
The larvae of these flies live in bird nests and are parasites on bird chicks.