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Common eastern physocephala

Common eastern physocephala

Physocephala tibialis

A species of Physocephala

Physocephala tibialis is a species of thick-headed fly (family Conopidae) found throughout the eastern United States, often near flowering plants. The adult fly is primarily black with a yellow face and thin white stripes on the abdomen. It is commonly found along the east coast of the United States and is often found near flowering plants. P. tibialis flies parasitize many different species of bees by laying their eggs inside the abdomen of their host. The larva hatches inside of the host and grows and develops until it takes up the majority of the host's abdomen. The host then dies and the larva envelopes itself in a puparium and pupates inside of the corpse. After an extended period of pupation, the adult emerges from the corpse of the host bee. When a bee becomes parasitized by a P. tibialis larva, certain behaviors such as induced grave digging and changes in flower preference often occur.

How Does the Common eastern physocephala Practice Parasitism?
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General Info About Common eastern physocephala
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Attributes of Common eastern physocephala
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Habitat
P. tibialis can often be found near flowering plants, likely due to the presence of host species pollinating nearby plants. They have not been seen to prefer specific species of plants, and attack host species at a variety of different flowering plants.
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, pollen
Larva Food Source
Bumblebee larvae, bumblebee pupae
Non-poisonous
The Common eastern physocephala is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Common eastern physocephala
P. tibialis is found in North America, primarily along the east coast of the United States. They can be seen as far north as Massachusetts and as south as Florida. They have also been seen as far west as Wisconsin and Texas.
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Life Cycle of Common eastern physocephala
Egg At this initial stage, the egg of common eastern physocephala is deposited by the female into the environment, often on or near a food source. The egg is small, oval, and exhibits minimal change until hatching.
Larva Once hatched, the larva of common eastern physocephala emerges as a legless, worm-like creature. This stage is primarily for feeding and growth. The larva will molt several times, significantly increasing in size with each instar.
Pupal After reaching sufficient size, the larva entombs itself to undergo metamorphosis. As a pupa, common eastern physocephala is inactive and encased, undergoing drastic internal changes. The pupa may exhibit cryptic coloration for camouflage.
Adult The adult common eastern physocephala emerges from the pupa entirely transformed. It now has wings and is capable of flight. Its body is distinctly partitioned into head, thorax, and abdomen. The focus for the adult is on mating and laying eggs.
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Interesting Facts About Common eastern physocephala
Common eastern physocephala larvae develop inside the bodies of other insects, covertly using them as a mobile nursery and food source.
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Scientific Classification of Common eastern physocephala
Tips for Finding Common eastern physocephala
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Youth Habitat of Common eastern physocephala
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Common eastern physocephala
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Open and Floral Rich Areas
Are Common eastern physocephala harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Common eastern physocephala
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How Does the Common eastern physocephala Practice Parasitism?

Common eastern physocephala larvae are internal parasites of bumblebees, injected into hosts during flower visits. They grow inside, consuming tissues, often leading to host death. This parasitism ensures larval development but can detrimentally impact pollinator populations.

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Hurt Plant

Common eastern physocephala adults feed on and can spread diseases among various plants, showing no preference for plant type. Damage primarily occurs to flowers, with potential impacts ranging from mild to severe, depending on insect population density.

More Effects of Common eastern physocephala

Beneficial Effects of Common eastern physocephala
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Common eastern physocephala is a pollinator that is attracted to flowers by their vivid colors and enticing smells. It feeds on pollen, which inadvertently sticks to its body and is transferred to other flowers, aiding in plant pollination. This process is crucial for the reproduction of many plant species.
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