Zelia vertebrata

(Say, 1829)

Zelia vertebrata is a of bristle fly in the Tachinidae, characterized by a long body, strong abdominal bristles, and a distinctive abdominal pattern resembling vertebrae. It is a targeting larvae in multiple families. The species has a widespread North American distribution and is most active during the day.

Zelia vertebrata by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Zelia vertebrata by (c) Dr Ben Cull, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dr Ben Cull. Used under a CC-BY license.Zelia vertebrata posing on a tree by BenfromBaltimore. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zelia vertebrata: //ˈze.li.a ˌvɛr.təˈbɹeɪ.tə//

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Identification

Zelia vertebrata can be distinguished from similar tachinid flies by its long body, strong abdominal bristles, and distinctive abdominal pattern that resembles vertebrae.

Images

Distribution

Zelia vertebrata has a widespread North American range, with records from Washington to Maine in the east-west direction, and from Québec to Florida in the north-south direction. Additional records exist from Utah, Guatemala, and Mexico.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

Gravid females give birth to live larvae rather than near entrances of larval tunnels. The worm-like parasitic larvae crawl through host tunnels until encountering a host, which they burrow into. The parasitic larvae possess a modified with located on terminal abdominal segments, allowing them to breathe while almost entirely immersed in host tissue. As the larva grows within its host, it must disengage from the host's cuticular outgrowth to access untapped tissues.

Behavior

Most active during the day. Females exhibit live birth (viviparity) of larvae rather than laying .

Ecological Role

Saproxylic dependent on moist rotting wood as for its larval . Acts as a controlling of larvae in forest .

Similar Taxa

  • Zelia species (undescribed)A morphologically similar fly was collected in the Red River Gorge, eastern Kentucky, and supported as a distinct by mitochondrial COI and morphological data.

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Sources and further reading