Phrosinella aurifacies

Downes, 1985

Phrosinella aurifacies is a satellite fly in the Sarcophagidae, Miltogramminae. It is known as a kleptoparasite of the sand wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata. females enter burrows and deposit live larvae that feed on the paralyzed prey stored by the wasp, often destroying the wasp or larva in the process. The was described by Downes in 1985.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phrosinella aurifacies: /ˌfroʊsɪˈnɛlə ˌɔːrɪˈfeɪsiːz/

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Distribution

The distribution of Phrosinella aurifacies is not explicitly documented in available sources. Its Clitemnestra bipunctata ranges across most of the United States and Cuba, suggesting the fly may occur in similar regions.

Diet

Larvae feed on paralyzed prey (planthoppers, leafhoppers, treehoppers, and psyllids) stored in nests. feeding habits are unknown.

Host Associations

  • Clitemnestra bipunctata - kleptoparasite female flies enter burrows and deposit live larvae that consume the paralyzed prey and often destroy the wasp or larva

Life Cycle

Females deposit live larvae directly into burrows rather than . Larvae develop on paralyzed prey stored by the host wasp.

Behavior

females actively seek out and enter excavated burrows to deposit larvae. This represents a form of .

Ecological Role

Kleptoparasite that exploits the provisioning of sand wasps, potentially impacting reproductive success.

Similar Taxa

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The epithet 'aurifacies' refers to golden facial coloration, a common naming convention in this group.

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Sources and further reading