Ptilodexia maculata
This record describes Ptilodexia maculata (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Most importantly, strongly contrasting dark patches under the tips of the femora. Body with a lot of red or orange.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Dexiinae
- Tribe
- Dexiini
- Genus
- Ptilodexia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southern Arizona and New Mexico
Seasonal Activity
July to September
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Unknown, but likely scarab beetles.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Macualta is Latin for spotted. "The name of this species refers to the striking femoral maculae on its members." (Wilder, 1979)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Ptilodexia maculata. 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 Ptilodexia maculata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Ptilodexia maculata
What is Ptilodexia maculata?
Ptilodexia maculata is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Ptilodexia maculata?
Up to 16mm
How do you identify Ptilodexia maculata?
Most importantly, strongly contrasting dark patches under the tips of the femora. Body with a lot of red or orange.
Where is Ptilodexia maculata found?
Range: Southern Arizona and New Mexico
What does Ptilodexia maculata eat?
The diet of the Ptilodexia maculata includes Unknown, but likely scarab beetles..
When is Ptilodexia maculata active?
Ptilodexia maculata: seasonal activity - July to September.