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