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Tachinid Flies
ExploreInsects
Tachinid Flies
tachinidae
Tachinid flies are fascinating insects that help control pest populations! They lay their eggs on or inside other insects, and their larvae feed on them, keeping gardens healthy.
Habitat: Tachinid flies can be found in various environments, including gardens, forests, and fields.
Appearance
The Tachinid Flies are typically robust, bristly flies, often grey or dark with striped thoraxes and sometimes metallic blue-black bodies. They frequently have large eyes and prominent bristles on their abdomen, making them appear hairier than common houseflies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyTachinidaeGenusLixophaga
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
A single female tachinid fly can lay thousands of eggs in her lifetime!
Many tachinid flies are fantastic pollinators of wildflowers and crops.
Some species even lay their tiny eggs directly on their host's eggs!
Their larvae are like tiny, stealthy alien parasites inside other bugs!
Special abilities
Ability
Host Seeker
Tachinid Flies can precisely locate specific insect hosts to lay their eggs, ensuring their larvae have vital food and shelter.
Ability
Internal Incubator
Tachinid Flies has larvae that develop inside other living insects, slowly consuming their hosts from within.
Ability
Mimicry Master
Some Tachinid Flies can mimic bees or wasps, helping them avoid predators by appearing more dangerous.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 4-40 mm
- Size
- 2-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-30 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip nectar, but their young are parasitic on other insects!
Age differences: Larvae are internal parasites of other insects; adults feed on nectar and pollen.
Primary Foods
- nectar
- pollen
- caterpillars
- beetle larvae
- true bugs
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
parasitizes
Tobacco Hornworm
Manduca sexta
Larvae develop inside this large caterpillar pest.
parasitizes
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Halyomorpha halys
An important natural enemy of this invasive agricultural pest.
pollinates
Common Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Adults visit the flower clusters for nectar and pollen.
eaten by
Flower Crab Spider
Misumena vatia
An ambush predator that preys on adult flies on flowers.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Brassica FlyParasite Fly
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tachinid Flies's wingspan?
4-40 mm
How big is Tachinid Flies?
2-20 mm
How long does Tachinid Flies live?
10-30 days
How fast can Tachinid Flies fly?
15 km/h
What does Tachinid Flies eat?
Adults sip nectar, but their young are parasitic on other insects!
Where is Tachinid Flies usually found?
Tachinid flies can be found in various environments, including gardens, forests, and fields.
How does Tachinid Flies hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Tachinid Flies have?
6
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