gulhuvad skaftstekelfluga
Physocephala vittata
Physocephala vittata is a distinctive thick-headed fly species characterized by its robust build, prominent head, and striped abdomen pattern. As a parasitoid, it plays a crucial ecological role by targeting specific bee and wasp hosts, with females intercepting their prey in flight to deposit eggs that develop internally within the living host.
32
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Conopidae
Genus
Physocephala
gulhuvad skaftstekelfluga belongs to the family Conopidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Physocephala vittata is a distinctive thick-headed fly species characterized by its robust build, prominent head, and striped abdomen pattern. As a parasitoid, it plays a crucial ecological role by targeting specific bee and wasp hosts, with females intercepting their prey in flight to deposit eggs that develop internally within the living host.
Physocephala vittata, a thick-headed fly species, faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urbanization of its specialized grassland and meadow habitats. The species' parasitic lifestyle, which depends on specific host bee and wasp species, makes it particularly vulnerable to disruptions in pollinator communities caused by pesticide use and habitat fragmentation.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits flower-rich meadows, forest edges, and traditional agricultural landscapes where diverse wild bee and wasp communities thrive. It requires areas with abundant nectar sources for adult feeding and suitable nesting sites for its host species.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Physocephala vittata, a thick-headed fly species, faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urbanization of its specialized grassland and meadow habitats. The species' parasitic lifestyle, which depends on specific host bee and wasp species, makes it particularly vulnerable to disruptions in pollinator communities caused by pesticide use and habitat fragmentation.
Agricultural intensification and conversion of natural grasslands
Habitat fragmentation and loss of flower-rich meadows
Pesticide use affecting host pollinator populations
Climate change altering seasonal timing with host species
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Found in 32 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). gulhuvad skaftstekelfluga (Physocephala vittata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/gulhuvad-skaftstekelfluga