Thecophora atra
This record describes Thecophora atra (species). Recorded family: Conopidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Thorax and abdomen of this very small conopid is mainly greyish-black. The head is quite large, the snout is elongated with narrow white cheeks, the large eyes are reddish, the second segment of antennae is much longer than the third and femur 1 and 2 are brown or black, while femur 3 is yellowish on its basal half. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. It can be found on downland, heathland, coastal dunes, brownfield sites and flowery arable margins. Also found around the nesting sites of its hosts. Adults fly from May until October and will visit flowers such as ragworts, thistles and umbellifers. The hosts are Lasioglossum or Halictus bees. Thecophora atra is widespread and fairly frequent in much of Britain, with records extending to Scotland, though it is rarely abundant. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Thecophora atra: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thecophora_atra.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It can be found on downland, heathland, coastal dunes, brownfield sites and flowery arable margins. Also found around the nesting sites of its hosts.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly from May until October and will visit flowers such as ragworts, thistles and umbellifers.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The hosts are Lasioglossum or Halictus bees.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Thecophora atra is widespread and fairly frequent in much of Britain, with records extending to Scotland, though it is rarely abundant.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Thecophora atra. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thecophora atra
What is Thecophora atra?
Thecophora atra is a species in the family Conopidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Thecophora atra found?
Habitat: It can be found on downland, heathland, coastal dunes, brownfield sites and flowery arable margins. Also found around the nesting sites of its hosts.
When is Thecophora atra active?
Thecophora atra: seasonal activity - Adults fly from May until October and will visit flowers such as ragworts, thistles and umbellifers..
What is the life cycle of a Thecophora atra?
The hosts are Lasioglossum or Halictus bees.