Chrysomyinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Superfamily: Oestroidea
Family: Calliphoridae
Subfamily: Chrysomyinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Chrysomyinae: /ˌkrɪsəˈmaɪɪniː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel, 1858) by The Mexican-American Commission for the Eradication of the Screwworm. Used under a Public domain license.

CSIRO ScienceImage 1437 Screw worm fly by division, CSIRO. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Chrysomya rufifacies from CSIRO by Unknown authorUnknown author. Used under a Public domain license.

Australian insects (Plate XXIX) (7268261232) by Froggatt, W. W.. Used under a Public domain license.

Screwworm larva close up by John Kucharski. Used under a Public domain license.

Chrysomya megacephala - Public health by Aimaggie. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Summary

Chrysomyinae is a subfamily within Calliphoridae, notable for its environmental role and characteristics such as a setose stem vein. It consists of numerous genera, with Protocalliphora being predominant in specific areas.

Physical Characteristics

Chrysomyinae are characterized by a setose stem vein, which distinguishes them from other subfamilies of Calliphoridae.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinct setose stem vein feature for identification. Different genera may exhibit varying coloration and body shapes, aiding in genus identification.

Habitat

Chrysomyinae are commonly found in a variety of habitats, often in regions where organic material is present, as they are typically attracted to decaying matter.

Distribution

There are approximately 40 species across 7 genera in this subfamily in our area, with a significant number of species found in specific geographic regions, particularly among the genus Protocalliphora.

Diet

As adults, Chrysomyinae typically feed on nectar, but the larvae develop in decaying organic matter.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with the larvae responsible for decomposing organic matter.

Reproduction

Chrysomyinae reproductive strategies involve laying eggs in suitable organic substrates where larvae can develop.

Predators

Larvae and adults may fall prey to various predators including other insects, birds, and mammals.

Ecosystem Role

They play a crucial role in the ecosystem as decomposers, aiding in the breakdown of organic matter.

Collecting Methods

Netting adult flies
Sampling decaying organic material for larvae

Preservation Methods

Pinning specimens
Ethanol preservation

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

There may be confusion between Chrysomyinae and other blow flies, though they can be distinguished by their setose stem vein.