ExploreInsects

Early Tachinid Fly

Epalpus signifer

The Early Tachinid Fly is a small, fuzzy fly that helps nature by eating other insects. They are often found buzzing around flowers and plants, making them great helpers in the garden!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Early Tachinid Fly is a robust, dark-bodied insect often featuring an abdomen with striking orange or yellow bands. Its body is covered in prominent, stiff bristles, giving it a somewhat spiky appearance. Its large, dark eyes stand out on its head.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyTachinidaeGenusEpalpus
Early Tachinid Fly
furry trait badgeaerial trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Early Tachinid Fly

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Adult Early Tachinid Flies help pollinate flowers while sipping nectar.

Some tachinid flies lay their eggs *inside* living caterpillars! Wow!

Their larvae slowly eat other insects from the inside out!

These flies are natural pest controllers, protecting plants from hungry insect larvae!

Special abilities

Ability

Host Hunter Vision

Early Tachinid Fly can locate specific caterpillars by sight and smell that helps them lay eggs on a future food source.

Ability

Bristly Armor

Early Tachinid Fly has stiff, spiky bristles covering its body that helps protect it from predators like birds and spiders.

Ability

Egg Placer Pro

Early Tachinid Fly can strategically lay its eggs on or near host insects, ensuring its young have immediate food.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
18-30 mm
Size
10-15 mm
Lifespan
15-40 days
Flight Speed
15 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults drink nectar for energy, while their larvae are parasitoids, consuming other insects from within!

Age differences: Adults consume nectar and honeydew; larvae are endoparasites of other insects.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Honeydew
  • Caterpillars
  • Beetle larvae

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

parasitizes

Tobacco Hornworm

Manduca sexta

larvae develop inside large caterpillars

parasitizes

Cabbage Looper

Trichoplusia ni

lays eggs on pest moth larvae

eaten by

Great Tit

Parus major

provides protein for insectivorous birds

pollinates

Canada Goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

transfers pollen between flowers

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't touch flies, but watch them from a distance to see how they help plants!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Early Tachinid Fly's wingspan?

18-30 mm

How big is Early Tachinid Fly?

10-15 mm

How long does Early Tachinid Fly live?

15-40 days

How fast can Early Tachinid Fly fly?

15 km/h

What does Early Tachinid Fly eat?

Adults drink nectar for energy, while their larvae are parasitoids, consuming other insects from within!

Where is Early Tachinid Fly usually found?

Urban areas

How does Early Tachinid Fly hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Early Tachinid Fly have?

6

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