periferalsetes

Periferalsetes is a genus within the family Tachinidae, a large and diverse group of parasitoid flies commonly referred to as tachinid flies. The genus was first described in 1985 by entomologist Dr. L. M. Hernandez, who identified a distinct morphological set of bristles on the peripheral regions of the thorax, which inspired the name. Periferalsetes is characterized by a robust body, medium-sized wings with a slightly pale stigma, and a series of setae arranged in irregular bands along the mesonotum. The flies exhibit a pronounced tendency to parasitize Lepidoptera larvae from the families Noctuidae and Erebidae, as well as some Sphingidae species.

Currently, two species are formally recognized: P. marginatus and P. sinecuris. P. marginatus is predominantly found in temperate zones of North America, especially within forested regions of the Pacific Northwest, where it plays a role in regulating the populations of common cutworm moths. P. sinecuris has a more restricted distribution, confined to alpine habitats in the Rockies, where it parasitizes high-altitude moths adapted to cooler climates. Frequently overlooked in ecological studies, Periferalsetes species are considered beneficial for natural pest control because of their parasitoid lifestyle. No major economic or public health impact has been documented for this genus. Research focus remains on detailed host‑specific interactions and potential applications in biological control programs.