Ectophasia crassipennis is a species of parasitic fly in the subfamily Phasiinae of the family Tachinidae.[1]
Adults of Ectophasia crassipennis can reach a length of about 5- and exhibit considerable variability in coloration, ranging from blackish to orange-brownish hues. Their large compound eyes are reddish. Notably, the species boasts a broad, flattened abdomen with ventrally folded sternite 7, while its large wings feature wide brownish or greyish dots, with the cell R5 being open at the edge. The large wings have wide brownish or greyish dots and the cell R5 is opened at the edge.[2] [3] Distinguishing Ectophasia crassipennis from its similar counterpart, Ectophasia oblonga, can pose a challenge due to their morphological similarities.[4]
This fly is present in Southern Europe and warmer parts of Central Europe, where it thrives in diverse habitats.[3] [5] It also occurs in Asia in Russia, Japan, and China.
These flies can mostly be encountered from early August through late September feeding on nectar of flowers (especially of Apiaceae and Asteraceae species).
The larvae are parasitic of Hemiptera (Pentatomidae,[2] Acanthosomatidae,[6] Coreidae and Lygaeidae[4] species).