Tsugaea nox
This record describes Tsugaea nox (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other Eryciini and Goniini by the combination of hairy eyes and vein M ending in R4+5 very close to wing margin.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Exoristinae
- Tribe
- Eryciini
- Genus
- Tsugaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Conifer forests of western North America.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Parasitoid of Neodiprion , probably multiple species.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named for Neodiprion tsugae , a sawfly that eats Tsuga (hemlock).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tsugaea nox. 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 Tsugaea nox (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Tsugaea nox
What is Tsugaea nox?
Tsugaea nox is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Tsugaea nox?
Distinguished from other Eryciini and Goniini by the combination of hairy eyes and vein M ending in R4+5 very close to wing margin.
Where is Tsugaea nox found?
Range: Conifer forests of western North America.
What does Tsugaea nox eat?
The diet of the Tsugaea nox includes Parasitoid of Neodiprion , probably multiple species..