Thelaira nigrina

This record describes Thelaira nigrina (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.

Identification and Appearance

This is a long-legged, hairy fly with plumose antennae. The central dark band down the back of the abdomen is bordered by orange and white. Thelaira solivago is very similar and easily confused. This has 3 long anterodorsal bristles on the mid tibia whereas T. nigrina only has 2 (ignore the short bristles towards the ends). https://tachinidae.org.uk/blog/distinguishing-species-of-thelaira/ A quality photo is needed showing the ad bristles on the mid tibia, or a comment describing how you identified the species. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Tachinidae
Genus: Thelaira

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Hedgerows and grassland.

Seasonal Activity

Flight period: June to August.

Diet and Behavior

Life History

Parasitic on some larger moth species.

Additional species information

Recorded status

Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Thelaira nigrina. 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.

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