# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger - **Habitat:** Tachinid flies can be found in various environments, including gardens, forests, and fields. - **Also known as:** Brassica Fly, Parasite Fly ![Tachinid Flies](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Thomas_Bresson_-_Tachina_fera_%28by%29.JPG&width=800) Photo: Thomas Bresson, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thomas_Bresson_-_Tachina_fera_%28by%29.JPG) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Tachinidae - **Genus:** Lixophaga ## 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 - **Host Seeker:** Tachinid Flies can precisely locate specific insect hosts to lay their eggs, ensuring their larvae have vital food and shelter. - **Internal Incubator:** Tachinid Flies has larvae that develop inside other living insects, slowly consuming their hosts from within. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [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:** 0/5 · No known danger No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Tachinid Flies? 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 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 ## 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: [Tachinid Flies: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tachinid-flies)