Tachinid Flies 

Order: Diptera
Family: Tachinidae

Description

Tachinid flies are gray or brown flies covered with dark bristles.

Tachinid fly and eggs

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Bugwood.org 
Tachinid fly and eggs. 

Quick Facts

  • Beneficial arthropods can prevent or limit pest problems in the yard and garden. 
  • These beneficial flies can be categorized broadly as either insect predators or parasites.
  • Common insect parasitoids include flies and small wasps. 
  • When insecticides are needed, choose ones that are selective and less likely to harm beneficial insects and mites. 

 

Additional Information

 

Life History

Adult tachinid flies are ectoparasites, i.e., they lay eggs outside the bodies of their prey. Tachinid flies can parasitize caterpillars, beetles, and true bugs, usually near the head. The eggs hatch almost immediately, and the larvae burrow into their host. After feeding internally for a week or more, the tachinid fly larvae eventually kill the host insect.