Milichiella bisignata
Melander, 1913
freeloader fly
Milichiella bisignata is a small dipteran in the Milichiidae, commonly known as freeloader flies. The was described by Melander in 1913 from North and Central America. Taxonomic status remains unsettled, with some sources treating it as a junior synonym of Milichiella lucidula while others maintain it as a valid species. Members of this are kleptoparasites, attracted to predatory insects and spiders actively consuming prey.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Milichiella bisignata: /ˌmɪlɪˈkɪɛlə bɪˈsɪɡnɑːtə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Distribution
North America and Central America.
Behavior
Kleptoparasitic. are attracted to feeding on prey and feed on fluids from the prey item. They have been observed congregating around assassin bugs (Reduviidae) and spiders consuming heteropteran prey. Attraction appears to be mediated by chemical cues, specifically components of defensive secretions produced by pentatomid and coreid .
Ecological Role
Kleptoparasite that exploits -prey interactions. By feeding on prey fluids made accessible by predators, they occupy a specialized that depends on the hunting success of other predatory arthropods.
Similar Taxa
- Milichiella lacteipennisSimilar kleptoparasitic and ; both are freeloader flies in the same , distinguished by subtle morphological differences in wing venation and body coloration.
- Milichiella lucidulaTaxonomically closely related; M. bisignata has been treated as a junior synonym of M. lucidula in some treatments, suggesting they may represent the same biological or closely allied cryptic species.