Ladybird-mimic
Guides
Gymnosoma
ladybird flies, bug-killer flies
Gymnosoma is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) commonly known as ladybird flies or bug-killer flies. Species are small parasitoids, typically 5–6 mm, with distinctive rounded abdomens often colored red or orange with dark markings, resembling lady beetles. Larvae develop as internal parasitoids of true bugs (Hemiptera), particularly shieldbugs (Pentatomidae). The genus has been taxonomically challenging; genomic analysis suggests many Palearctic species may represent a single highly variable species rather than distinct taxa. Adults visit flowers for nectar.