Parasitic Flies
Tachinidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Diptera
- Superfamily: Oestroidea
- Family: Tachinidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tachinidae: //təˈkɪnɪˌdaɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The Tachinidae family, commonly known as tachinid flies, is a large and diverse family of true flies known for their role as parasitoids of other insects. With over 8,600 known species, these flies are significant for biological pest control but can also be pests in certain contexts.
Physical Characteristics
Tachinid flies vary greatly in appearance; some are brightly colored while most are drab and resemble house flies. They possess three-segmented antennae and have a prominent postscutellum bulging beneath the scutellum. They are usually more bristly and robust than other flies, with a characteristic appearance that includes bare or sometimes plumose aristae. The calypters are usually large, and their fourth long vein bends away sharply.
Identification Tips
Look for the prominent postscutellum and the three-segmented antennae. Adults have a characteristic robust and bristly appearance, distinguishing them from muscids and flesh flies, which may resemble them.
Habitat
Tachinidae are found in a variety of habitats across all zoogeographical regions, with high diversity especially in South America. They thrive in environments where their host organisms are present.
Distribution
There are over 1,300 species described in North America and approximately 8,600 species worldwide, with estimates suggesting that even more remain undiscovered.
Diet
Adults primarily feed on nectar from flowers, decaying matter, and sometimes scale insects and aphids. They do not feed parasitically.
Life Cycle
The life cycle includes the larval stage which is typically parasitoid, developing inside a living host before killing it. Tachinid larvae can be found in various hosts including caterpillars, beetles, and true bugs. The adults do not feed parasitically but may feed on floral resources.
Reproduction
Female tachinids use various oviposition strategies, including laying eggs directly on or in the host, or depositing larvae onto the host. They can lay eggs in small or large quantities, depending on the species.
Ecosystem Role
Tachinids are important natural enemies of many agricultural pests and play significant roles in pest control as biological control agents, although some can also prey on beneficial insects.
Economic Impact
Some tachinid species are used in biological pest control to manage populations of harmful agricultural pests. However, certain species can adversely affect sericulture by preying on silkworms, making them economically significant.
Collecting Methods
- Sweeping
- Malaise traps
- Light traps
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Ethanol preservation
Evolution
The family Tachinidae is believed to have originated in the middle Eocene, with the oldest known fossil dating back to this period.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some may confuse tachinids with other fly families, such as muscids and flesh flies, due to their similar appearance. Additionally, their role as biological control agents may lead to misunderstandings regarding their ecological impact.
Tags
- Diptera
- Parasitoids
- Biological control
- Insect diversity
- Tachinidae