Acantholespesia comstocki
(Williston, 1889)
Acantholespesia comstocki is a tachinid fly described by Williston in 1889. As a member of the bristle fly Tachinidae, it functions as a of lepidopteran larvae. Its known include butterflies from three families: Hesperiidae (skippers), Megathymidae (giant skippers), and Pyralidae (snout moths). The species occurs in the United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acantholespesia comstocki: /əˌkænθoʊlɛsˈpiʒə ˌkɒmstɒˈkiː/
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Identification
This can be distinguished from other Acantholespesia by examination of male genitalia and abdominal sternal chaetotaxy. The Acantholespesia is characterized by the presence of strong bristles on the sternites and a distinctive male terminalia structure. Specific identification of A. comstocki requires reference to the original description and subsequent taxonomic revisions, as external overlaps with related species in the genus.
Distribution
United States.
Host Associations
- Hesperiidae - larval
- Megathymidae - larval giant
- Pyralidae - larval snout moths
Life Cycle
As a tachinid fly, Acantholespesia comstocki develops as a larval within its lepidopteran . females deposit or larvae on or near host caterpillars; the tachinid larvae then penetrate the host and develop internally, eventually killing the host and pupating.
Ecological Role
of lepidopteran larvae, contributing to natural of its and .
Similar Taxa
- AcantholespesiaOther in this share similar external and require genitalia examination for definitive identification.