Phrosinella fulvicornis

(Coquillett, 1895)

Phrosinella fulvicornis is a of satellite fly in the Sarcophagidae, Miltogramminae. It was originally described as Gymnoprosopa fulvicornis by Coquillett in 1895 and later transferred to the Phrosinella. The species has been documented as a nest of the digger wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata. As a member of the Miltogramminae, it exhibits the kleptoparasitic typical of this group, with females entering nests to deposit larvae on stored prey.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phrosinella fulvicornis: //ˌfroʊ.sɪˈnɛl.ə ˌfʊl.vɪˈkɔr.nɪs//

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

Diet

Larvae feed on paralyzed prey stored in nests, specifically the paralyzed planthoppers, leafhoppers, treehoppers, and psyllids provisioned by Clitemnestra bipunctata. feeding habits are unrecorded.

Host Associations

  • Clitemnestra bipunctata - female flies enter burrows and deposit live larvae inside; larvae feed on paralyzed prey and may destroy the or larvae

Behavior

Females are kleptoparasites that actively enter burrows to deposit larvae directly onto stored prey. This represents an advanced form of within the Miltogramminae, bypassing the need for flies to be captured and transported by the host wasp.

Ecological Role

Acts as a kleptoparasite and facultative within the nesting burrows of solitary , potentially reducing reproductive success while recycling the prey resources gathered by the host.

Similar Taxa

More Details

Nomenclatural history

Originally described as Gymnoprosopa fulvicornis Coquillett, 1895; transferred to Phrosinella. The basionym Gymnoprosopa fulvicornis is retained as a synonym.

Type of parasitism

Unlike some Miltogramminae that are transported into nests by (), Phrosinella fulvicornis females are reported to enter burrows directly, indicating active host-seeking .

Tags

Sources and further reading