Prochyliza xanthostoma: taxon details and analytics
- Domain
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Piophilidae
- Genus
- Prochyliza
- Species
- Prochyliza xanthostoma
- Scientific Name
- Prochyliza xanthostoma
Summary description from Wikipedia:
Prochyliza xanthostoma
Prochyliza xanthostoma, the waltzing fly, is a species of carrion-feeding cheese skipper, insects in the family Piophilidae and the order Diptera. P. xanthostoma is a member of the genus Prochyliza, which contains eleven species. The adult flies are found through North America and are brown-bodied, with orange and black coloring. Mating occurs on animal carcasses and male perform mating rituals; females engage in ejaculate feeding. The waltzing fly is known for its exaggerated sexual dimorphism and has thus become a prominent model for sexual dimorphism and larval behavior. These organisms are known as cheese skippers because when startled, the larvae (which often infest cured meats and cheese) can leap several inches into the air. P. xanthostoma is an important model organism for sexual selection, larval behavior, and adult reproductive success and survivability.
...Prochyliza xanthostoma in languages:
- English
- Waltzing Fly
Images from inaturalist.org observations:
We recommend you sign up for this excellent, free service.





























































































































































