Gymnocheta
Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830
Gymnocheta is a of comprising approximately 12 described distributed across the Palaearctic region. The genus is distinguished by metallic green coloration in some species, a trait shared with only one other European tachinid genus. Members are of , with developing inside . The of G. viridis was sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gymnocheta: //dʒɪmˈnɒkɪtə//
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Identification
with metallic green coloration can be distinguished from the similar Chrysosomopsis aurata by black (versus in C. aurata) and three postsutural dorsocentral bristles (versus four in C. aurata).
Habitat
Woodland, forest margins, meadows, and gardens.
Distribution
Widely distributed across the Palaearctic region, including Britain, Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland), Russia (including the Russian Far East), and Japan.
Seasonality
Spring to early summer activity, with flying from March to June and occasionally into July.
Diet
feed on flowers, specifically recorded from cow parsnip (Anthriscus sylvestris) and other umbellifers (Apiaceae).
Host Associations
- Mesapamea secalis -
- Photedes minima -
- Denticucullus pygmina -
- Amphipoea ussuriensis -
Life Cycle
are of that inhabit grasses or sedges. period occurs in spring and early summer.
Behavior
Males frequently bask on tree trunks. Females low among grasses while searching for .
Ecological Role
of in grasses and sedges, contributing to of these .
Human Relevance
G. viridis sequenced as part of the Darwin Tree of Life Project, yielding a 600.30 Mb assembly with 12,716 -coding genes.
Similar Taxa
- Chrysosomopsis aurataAlso metallic green; distinguished by and four postsutural dorsocentrals versus black palps and three postsutural dorsocentrals in Gymnocheta.