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.

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

Appearance

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.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyTachinidaeGenusTachina

Tachina Canariensis

Interesting facts

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.

Special abilities

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.

Measurements & details

Length: 1+ cm
Wingspan: 1+ cm
Weight: 0.0001+ kg
Lifespan: 0+ years
Top Speed: 15 km/h
Clutch Size: 50+
Incubation: 1+ days

Diet & Feeding

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

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

Primary Foods

Flower nectar
Pollen
Moth caterpillars
Butterfly larvae

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

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.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Tachina Canariensis?

The easiest way to identify Tachina Canariensis is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Tachina Canariensis?

1+ cm

What is Tachina Canariensis's wingspan?

1+ cm

How much does Tachina Canariensis weigh?

0.0001+ kg

How long does Tachina Canariensis live?

0+ years

How fast can Tachina Canariensis move?

15 km/h

What does Tachina Canariensis eat?

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

Where is Tachina Canariensis usually found?

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