DipteraCalliphoridae – Blow Flies

Trypocalliphora braueri

This record describes Trypocalliphora braueri (species). Recorded family: Calliphoridae. Recorded order: Diptera.

Identification and Appearance

Trypocalliphora braueri - Trypocalliphora braueri
Contributed by Andrew Meeds

Superficial similarities to Phormia regina , but anterior thoracic spiracle tends to be more dull orange rather than the bright orange in P. regina . The anterior thoracic spiracle color can be misleading depending on specimen age or preservation techniques, so important to use additional characters. Has three to four postsutural intra-alar setae as opposed to two in P. regina . The anterior portion of the thorax tends to have a dusty appearance in most P. regina specimens, this is not the case in T. braueri . The dull orange anterior thoracic spiracles are useful for separating Trypocalliphora from Protocalliphora which have white to dark brown spiracles. There has been some confusion as to the taxonomic status of Trypocalliphora with some workers considering Trypocalliphora to be a subgenus of Protocalliphora . Currently however, most workers consider Trypocalliphora to be a valid genus .

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera (Flies)
Superfamily
Oestroidea
Family
Calliphoridae (Blow Flies)
Subfamily
Chrysomyinae
Genus
Trypocalliphora (Bird Blow Flies)

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

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Bird Nests

Geographic Range

Holarctic

Diet and Behavior

Diet: The larvae are parasites of nestling birds. Larvae of this genus are typically subcutaneous parasites, while larvae in Protocalliphora tend to be free in the nest. However, this is not always the case ( 3 ) .

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Trypocalliphora braueri (Hendel, 1901)

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Trypocalliphora braueri. 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.

Explore Diptera families and species →

Photos of Trypocalliphora braueri (2)

Trypocalliphora braueri - photo 1
Contributed by Andrew Meeds
Trypocalliphora braueri - photo 2
Contributed by Andrew Meeds

Photo credits: Contributed by Andrew Meeds

Frequently Asked Questions About Trypocalliphora braueri

What is Trypocalliphora braueri?

Trypocalliphora braueri is a species in the family Calliphoridae, within the order Diptera.

How do you identify Trypocalliphora braueri?

Superficial similarities to Phormia regina , but anterior thoracic spiracle tends to be more dull orange rather than the bright orange in P. regina . The anterior thoracic spiracle color can be misleading depending on specimen age or preservation techniques, so important to use additional characters. Has three to four postsutural intra-alar setae as opposed to two in P. regina . The anterior portion of the thorax tends to have a dusty appearance in most P. regina specimens, this is not the case in T. braueri . The dull orange anterior thoracic spiracles are useful for separating Trypocalliphora from Protocalliphora which have white to dark brown spiracles.

Where is Trypocalliphora braueri found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatBird Nests
RangeHolarctic
What does Trypocalliphora braueri eat?

The diet of the Trypocalliphora braueri includes The larvae are parasites of nestling birds. Larvae of this genus are typically subcutaneous parasites, while larvae in Protocalliphora tend to be free in the nest. However, this is not always the case ( 3 ) ..

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Andrew Meeds. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.