Physiphora clausa

(Macquart, 1843)

Physiphora clausa is a subcosmopolitan picture-winged fly in the Ulidiidae, originally described by Macquart in 1843. It is one of at least two Physiphora unintentionally introduced to the Australasian, Nearctic, and Neotropical Regions. The species was synonymized with Physiphora hainanensis in 2015. Larvae are saprophagous, developing in rotting plant tissues.

Physiphora clausa by (c) Bruno Henrique Aranda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bruno Henrique Aranda. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Physiphora clausa: /fɪˈsɪfərə ˈklɔːsə/

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Images

Habitat

Associated with rotting tissues of palms (often infested by palm weevils), giant Euphorbia, baobabs, and poplars; also attracted to and possibly develops in of ungulates

Distribution

Subcosmopolitan; native to Old World regions, unintentionally introduced into Australasian, Nearctic, and Neotropical Regions. Distribution records include Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), Hawaii, and conterminous United States

Diet

Saprophagous; larvae feed on rotting plant tissues

Life Cycle

Larvae develop in rotting tissues of palms, giant Euphorbia, baobabs, and poplars; possibly also in of ungulates

Ecological Role

Saprophagous decomposer in rotting plant material

Human Relevance

Unintentionally introduced to multiple regions; may occur in association with cultivated palms or other plants affected by palm weevils

Similar Taxa

Physiphora alceaeOther subcosmopolitan Physiphora introduced to same regions; both lack bold wing markings typical of many ulidiids