Thelaira

Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830

Species Guides

1

Thelaira is a of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising approximately 20 described . Members are medium-sized flies with distinctive long-legged . The genus is notable for its external -laying strategy onto caterpillars, with larvae developing internally within the host. Thelaira solivaga serves as the primary reference species for genomic and biological studies.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Thelaira: /θɛˈlaɪrə/

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Habitat

Edges of woodlands and scrub areas with low-growing vegetation. frequently bask on sunlit leaves.

Distribution

Widespread across the Palearctic region with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Thelaira solivaga occurs in southern and central Britain north to Tyneside, with no records from Ireland.

Seasonality

active from late April/early May through mid-September. Likely double-brooded in temperate regions.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

laid externally directly onto caterpillars. Multiple larvae develop within a single host. Overwinters as early-stage larvae within hibernating host caterpillars.

Behavior

External -laying onto caterpillars followed by internal larval development. bask on sunlit vegetation.

Ecological Role

of Tiger Moths (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), specifically targeting caterpillars of Arctia and Phragmatobia .

Similar Taxa

  • Thelaira nigrinaVery similar external requiring examination of voucher specimens for reliable separation from Thelaira solivaga.

More Details

Genomic Resources

Thelaira solivaga has been sequenced, providing reference data for tachinid fly (Wellcome Open Research 2024).

Taxonomic Note

The was established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830 and currently contains 20 described with distribution centered in the Palearctic.

Sources and further reading