Delphinia picta
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Superfamily: Tephritoidea
- Family: Ulidiidae
- Subfamily: Otitinae
- Tribe: Cephaliini
- Genus: Delphinia
- Species: picta
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Delphinia picta: //dɛlˈfɪn.i.ə ˈpɪk.tə//
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Images
Summary
Delphinia picta is a small, distinctive picture-winged fly known for its unique wing pattern and detritivorous diet. It is found primarily in decaying organic matter in various habitats and has a multivoltine life cycle.
Physical Characteristics
Adults are about 7mm long with shiny dark brown wings having a distinctive hyaline background. Body features include a black abdomen and light brown head, thorax, and legs. The ovipositor averages 1.27mm long, with two dorsal and one ventral prominent pairs of setae and many short setae on both sides. The tip of the ovipositor has a slight bend downward.
Identification Tips
Look for the distinctive wing pattern with two white triangles on the front edge and shiny dark coloration. Movement of wings in a rowing motion while walking is characteristic of this species.
Habitat
Found in areas with decaying organic matter, including landfills, temperate deciduous forests, swamps, and shaded fields.
Distribution
Found in the United States from Florida to Maine and Kansas through Minnesota and also in Mexico and El Salvador.
Diet
Detritivores, feeding on decaying plant matter and fermenting frass from Megacyllene robiniae on black locust trees.
Life Cycle
Adults typically live less than 40 days but can survive up to 69 days. Mating occurs in the evening two days after emergence. Females lay up to 500 eggs which hatch into larvae in 4-6 days. Larvae progress through three instar stages and pupate in 21–30 days, finishing pupation in an additional 14–17 days, with one generation during May to July and the other overwintering as mature larvae.
Reproduction
Mating involves the female waving her wings to attract males, followed by copulation. Females lay eggs in decaying plant matter.
Predators
Prey for wasps, including Crabro monticola.
Ecosystem Role
Plays a role in the decomposition process by feeding on decaying plant matter.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Sometimes mistaken for fruit flies; however, they do not feed on living plant matter.
Tags
- Delphinia picta
- picture-winged fly
- Ulidiidae
- detritivore
- insect identification