Philornis downsi

Galapagos Wildlife: Philornis downsi © GCT

Philornis downsi © GCT

Species Data

Common Name Ectoparasitic fly
Scientific Name Philornis downsi
Spanish Name Mosca parásita
Conservation Status

Galapagos Graphics: IUCN Red List Unknown © Dan Wright

Unknown

Endemic/Native/Introduced

Introduced 

Size About the size of a common house fly
Average Lifespan Unknown
Predators Parasitic wasps
Food Herbivore/ carnivore (adults feed on fruits and nectar/ larvae feed on nestlings in bird nests)
Animal Class Insect

Species Overview

The flies are native to South America and were first introduced to the Islands in the 1950’s. Adult flies eat fruits and nectar; however the larvae feed on nestling chicks, including the important finches. This is an extreme risk impact 18 bird species in Galapagos, with up to 100% of hatchlings in nests dying due to their larvae. The mangrove finch has been exceptionally badly affected with population numbers dangerously low. Many groups on Galapagos and further afield are working to eradicate this invasive species.

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Species Data
Common Name Ectoparasitic fly
Scientific Name Philornis downsi
Spanish Name Mosca parásita
Conservation Status

Galapagos Graphics: IUCN Red List Unknown © Dan Wright

Unknown

Endemic / Native / Introduced

Introduced 

Size About the size of a common house fly
Average Lifespan Unknown
Predators Parasitic wasps
Food Herbivore/ carnivore (adults feed on fruits and nectar/ larvae feed on nestlings in bird nests)
Animal Class Insect