Tachina Canariensis

tachina canariensis

Tachina canariensis is a fascinating species of tachinid fly endemic to the Canary Islands. Known for its robust, bristly body and active flight, this insect plays a crucial double role in its ecosystem as both an important pollinator of local flora and a key natural regulator of caterpillar populations. As adults, they are frequently seen darting between wildflowers under the warm island sun, seeking nectar to fuel their high-energy lives.

Lebensraum: Found in open Canary Island pine forests, shrubby volcanic hillsides, and coastal scrub zones abundant with flowering plants.

Aussehen

This medium-to-large fly is characterized by a sturdy, dark brown to blackish body heavily covered in stout, protective black bristles, particularly on its rounded abdomen. The sides of the abdomen often exhibit warm, subtle orange-red highlights, and the head features large, reddish compound eyes. Its clear wings, spanning up to 3 centimeters, are held out at an angle when resting, revealing a classic stout tachinid silhouette.

ReichAnimaliaStammArthropodaKlasseInsectaOrdnungDipteraFamilieTachinidaeGattungTachina

Tachina Canariensis

Kategorie

Insekten

Seltenheit

Common

Gefahr

1/5 · Sehr gering

Snaps

Mach den ersten Snap!

Interessante Fakten

Because they are endemic to the Canary Islands, they have adapted perfectly to the unique microclimates and volcanic terrains of the archipelago.

Tachina canariensis larvae do not immediately kill their host; instead, they consume non-essential tissues first to keep the caterpillar alive as long as possible.

Their dense coat of sensory bristles acts as a highly advanced wind-detection system, helping them detect oncoming predators in milliseconds.

Besondere Fähigkeiten

Females utilize keen chemical and visual cues to locate hosts, typically lepidopteran caterpillars, on which to deposit eggs.

The thick array of stiff bristles on its body provides mechanical defense against predators and aggressive hosts.

Equipped with powerful flight muscles, this fly can hover, dart, and execute rapid aerial turns to evade capture and pursue hosts.

Maße und Details

Länge: 1+ cm
Flügelspannweite: 1+ cm
Gewicht: 0.0001+ kg
Lebenserwartung: 0+ Jahre
Top Speed: 15 km/h
Gelegegröße: 50+
Brutzeit: 1+ Tage

Ernährung und Fütterung

Larvae are internal parasitoids that feed on the living tissues of caterpillars, while adults feed primarily on nectar and pollen from endemic wildflowers.

Altersunterschiede: Larvae are strictly endoparasitoids feeding on caterpillar hosts, whereas adults transition entirely to a diet of sugary nectar and pollen.

Hauptnahrung

Flower nectar
Pollen
Moth caterpillars
Butterfly larvae

Nahrungssuche

Foraging

Ökologische Zusammenhänge

parasite

Canary Island Noctuid Moth

Caradrina rebeli

The larvae of Tachina canariensis parasitize the caterpillars of this endemic Canary Island moth, helping control its population.

mutualism

Canary Island Spurge

Euphorbia canariensis

Adult flies visit and feed on the sweet nectar of the Canary Island spurge, assisting in its pollination.

Merkmale

Für dieses Objekt sind noch keine Merkmal-Badges vergeben.

Auch bekannt als

Noch keine Alternativnamen vorhanden.

Sammlungen

Sammlungen für dieses Objekt erscheinen hier, wenn weitere Themen hinzugefügt werden.

Sicherheit

Gefahr

1/5 · Sehr gering

Noch keine besonderen Sicherheitshinweise.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

Wie identifiziert man Tachina Canariensis?

Der einfachste Weg, Tachina Canariensis zu bestimmen, ist die Verwendung der Naturführer-App Snappit.

Was ist der/die/das länge von Tachina Canariensis?

1+ cm

Was ist der/die/das flügelspannweite von Tachina Canariensis?

1+ cm

Was ist der/die/das gewicht von Tachina Canariensis?

0.0001+ kg

Was ist der/die/das lebenserwartung von Tachina Canariensis?

0+ Jahre

Was ist der/die/das top Speed von Tachina Canariensis?

15 km/h

Was frisst Tachina Canariensis?

Larvae are internal parasitoids that feed on the living tissues of caterpillars, while adults feed primarily on nectar and pollen from endemic wildflowers.

Wo findet man Tachina Canariensis normalerweise?

Found in open Canary Island pine forests, shrubby volcanic hillsides, and coastal scrub zones abundant with flowering plants.