Zelia vertebrata
This record describes Zelia vertebrata (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
In the Northeast probably distinguishable from other species by the abdominal pattern combined with absence of strong bristles on the first two segments of the abdomen. Z. vertebrata has been defined as with the face also either longer than in the former Minthozelia or the cheeks being wider and three postsutural dorsocentral setae. Note-there is also an undescribed species of Zelia that resembles vertebrata , known from Kentucky (O'Hara & Stireman, 2016) and Pennsylvania. Some photos placed in vertebrata may be this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera (Flies)
- Superfamily
- Oestroidea
- Family
- Tachinidae (Parasitic Flies)
- Subfamily
- Dexiinae
- Tribe
- Dexiini
- Genus
- Zelia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Most of United States, southern Canada, Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Parasitoid of beetles (like most Dexiini)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Probably named after the pattern on the abdomen.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Zelia vertebrata. 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 Zelia vertebrata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Ben Coulter , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Zelia vertebrata
What is Zelia vertebrata?
Zelia vertebrata is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
How do you identify Zelia vertebrata?
In the Northeast probably distinguishable from other species by the abdominal pattern combined with absence of strong bristles on the first two segments of the abdomen. Z. vertebrata has been defined as with the face also either longer than in the former Minthozelia or the cheeks being wider and three postsutural dorsocentral setae. Note-there is also an undescribed species of Zelia that resembles vertebrata , known from Kentucky (O'Hara & Stireman, 2016) and Pennsylvania. Some photos placed in vertebrata may be this species.
Where is Zelia vertebrata found?
Range: Most of United States, southern Canada, Mexico
What does Zelia vertebrata eat?
The diet of the Zelia vertebrata includes Parasitoid of beetles (like most Dexiini).