Prochyliza brevicornis
Melander, 1924
cheese skipper
Prochyliza brevicornis is a of cheese skipper in the Piophilidae. Like other members of this family, its larvae are known for their distinctive "skipping" locomotion, achieved by grasping their end with their mouthparts and suddenly releasing to catapult themselves away from threats. The species is part of a group commonly associated with decomposing fatty tissues, particularly in cheese and carrion.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Prochyliza brevicornis: /prɒˈkaɪlɪzə ˌbrɛvɪˈkɔːrnɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from the congeneric and more commonly referenced Prochyliza xanthostoma by its shorter (reflected in the specific epithet 'brevicornis,' meaning 'short-horned'). Males of P. xanthostoma possess dramatically elongated with long antennae arising from the tip of a conical facial projection, whereas P. brevicornis lacks this extreme in head structure.
Distribution
Sweden (SE); distribution otherwise poorly documented.
Diet
Larvae feed on decomposing fatty tissues, including rancid cheese and carrion.
Behavior
Larvae exhibit the characteristic "skipping" of Piophilidae, using their mouthparts to grasp the body and release suddenly to propel themselves away from disturbance.
Ecological Role
Decomposer; contributes to breakdown of fatty organic matter in decaying animal remains and fermented dairy products.
Human Relevance
Occasional pest of stored cheese and other fatty foods; larvae can infest cured meats and animal carcasses used for food or research purposes.
Similar Taxa
- Prochyliza xanthostomaCongeneric with dramatically different male —males have elongated conical and long , whereas P. brevicornis has shorter antennae and less pronounced . Both species share the skipping larval and carrion/cheese association.