Protelean
Guides
Tachinidae
Tachinid Flies, Tachinids
Tachinidae is a large and diverse family of true flies (Diptera) comprising over 8,200 described species worldwide, with more than 1,300 species in North America alone. All known tachinids are protelean parasitoids or occasionally parasites of arthropods, predominantly other insects. They are significant natural enemies of agricultural and forest pests, and many species have been employed in biological control programs. Adult flies are common flower visitors and contribute to pollination, particularly in high-elevation ecosystems where bees are scarce.