Protopiophila latipes

(Meigen, 1838)

cheese skipper

Protopiophila latipes is a of cheese skipper in the Piophilidae. It has been observed reproducing on carrion in advanced stages of decomposition. Males of this species do not exhibit mate-guarding , distinguishing it from the related P. litigata where males actively guard females.

Protopiophila latipes by Lorin Timaeus. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Protopiophila latipes 002 by Reiner Jakubowski. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Protopiophila latipes, Wildlife Garden Natural History Museum London (52358618092) by Sam Thomas. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Protopiophila latipes: /ˌproʊtoʊˌpaɪoʊˈfaɪlə ˈlætɪˌpiːz/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

Carrion in advanced stages of decomposition. The has been documented in forested areas of Algonquin Park, Ontario, where it utilizes decomposing animal matter.

Distribution

Documented from Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada. GBIF records indicate presence in Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The occurs in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions.

Life Cycle

occurs on carrion in advanced stages of decomposition. Oviposition takes place on decaying animal matter rather than fresh carcasses.

Behavior

Males do not exhibit mate-guarding , in contrast to the congeneric P. litigata where males actively guard females after mating.

Ecological Role

Decomposer; contributes to breakdown of carrion in advanced decomposition stages.

Similar Taxa

Protopiophila litigataSimilar requiring modified keys for separation; distinguished by male mate-guarding and use of discarded cervid antlers rather than general carrion

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Protopiophila litigata was described as a new Nearctic in 1995 based partly on behavioral and ecological differences from P. latipes. The two species require modified identification keys for reliable separation.