Winthemia rufopicta
This record describes Winthemia rufopicta (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
The males are distinguished from those of all the other species by the greatly narrowed front and by having the hind tibia thickly and evenly ciliate, rarely with a longer bristle in the row. (Guimarães 1972) Parasitoids of large caterpillars, mostly Noctuidae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Exoristinae
- Tribe
- Winthemiini
- Genus
- Winthemia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread
Seasonal Activity
Spring to fall
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "red-painted"
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Winthemia rufopicta. 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 Winthemia rufopicta (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Winthemia rufopicta
What is Winthemia rufopicta?
Winthemia rufopicta is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Winthemia rufopicta?
The males are distinguished from those of all the other species by the greatly narrowed front and by having the hind tibia thickly and evenly ciliate, rarely with a longer bristle in the row. (Guimarães 1972)
Where is Winthemia rufopicta found?
Range: Widespread
When is Winthemia rufopicta active?
Winthemia rufopicta: seasonal activity - Spring to fall.