# 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! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Early Tachinid Fly](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Epalpus_signifer%252C_Megan_McCarty101.jpg&width=800) Photo: Megan McCarty, CC BY 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Epalpus_signifer%252C_Megan_McCarty101.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Tachinidae - **Genus:** Epalpus ## 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 - **Host Hunter Vision:** Early Tachinid Fly can locate specific caterpillars by sight and smell that helps them lay eggs on a future food source. - **Bristly Armor:** Early Tachinid Fly has stiff, spiky bristles covering its body that helps protect it from predators like birds and spiders. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — provides protein for insectivorous birds - **Pollinates:** [Canada Goldenrod](https://www.snappit.app/explore/canada-goldenrod) (*Solidago canadensis*) — transfers pollen between flowers ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Early Tachinid Fly? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Port Townsend Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/port-townsend-historic-district) — Washington, US · Historic District ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Early Tachinid Fly: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/early-tachinid-fly)