Bird Blow Flies

Protocalliphora

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Protocalliphora: //ˌproʊtoʊˌkælɪˈfɔːrə//

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

Summary

Protocalliphora, commonly known as bird blowflies, are a genus of obligate bird parasites; larvae suck blood from nestlings, potentially leading to deformities.

Physical Characteristics

Males are generally easier to identify than females; specific identifying characteristics vary by species.

Identification Tips

Identification to species level is challenging due to morphological similarities, but males often present distinct traits aiding in identification.

Habitat

Commonly found in bird nests; predominantly in temperate regions of the Intermountain Region.

Distribution

Most diverse in the temperate portions of the Intermountain Region, less common in southern areas of North America.

Diet

Larvae are obligate parasites, primarily feeding on the blood of nestling birds. They may also invade and damage nasal tissue in nestlings.

Life Cycle

Eggs are deposited in bird nests, hatch into larvae that parasitize nestlings, and overwinter as adults.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs in bird nests where the larvae will develop.

Ecosystem Role

Acts as a parasite in bird nests, playing a role in avian population dynamics and health.

Health Concerns

Parasites cause potential health issues for nestling birds, leading to growth deformities such as 'shovel-beaks.'

Collecting Methods

Specimens can be collected from nests after nestlings have fledged; local laws regarding nest collection must be followed.

Preservation Methods

Imaging for photo vouchers, careful physical preservation methods.

Evolution

The genus is influenced by Wolbachia bacteria, which may have affected species differentiation through horizontal gene transfer.

Misconceptions

There is a misconception regarding ease of identification; many believe species can be easily separated, but they often cannot due to genetic similarities.