Waved Light Fly
Pyrgota undata
This record describes Pyrgota undata (species). Recorded family: Pyrgotidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Most widespread eastern member of this genus. Large (18 mm), dark, waved edge to forewing.
Wikipedia reference for Pyrgota undata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrgota_undata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Tephritoidea
- Family
- Pyrgotidae
- Genus
- Pyrgota
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Female lights on a feeding May beetle, causing it to take flight, then oviposits into beetle's back while soft parts are exposed. Flies usually attack female hosts only and may pursue them under lights. Larva takes ~14 days to kill host, consumes entire interior, pupates inside host and emerges following spring
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pyrgota undata Wiedemann 1830
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Pyrgota undata. 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 Waved Light Fly (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Waved Light Fly
What is Waved Light Fly?
Waved Light Fly (Pyrgota undata) is a species in the family Pyrgotidae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Waved Light Fly?
12-18 mm
How do you identify Waved Light Fly?
Most widespread eastern member of this genus. Large (18 mm), dark, waved edge to forewing.
Where is Waved Light Fly found?
Range: e NA
What is the life cycle of a Waved Light Fly?
Female lights on a feeding May beetle, causing it to take flight, then oviposits into beetle's back while soft parts are exposed. Flies usually attack female hosts only and may pursue them under lights. Larva takes ~14 days to kill host, consumes entire interior, pupates inside host and emerges following spring