Tachinid
Guides
Actia
Actia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Siphonini. These flies are parasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, with species recorded from hosts including spruce budworm, black-headed budworm, and various noctuid moths. The genus contains at least eight Nearctic species, including four described relatively recently (A. dasymyia, A. dimorpha, A. radialis, A. sternalis). Species are grouped into three species groups based on morphological and phylogenetic affinities: autumnalis-group, lamia-group, and crassicornis-group.
Actia diffidens
Actia diffidens is a tachinid fly (family Tachinidae) described by Curran in 1933. It belongs to the autumnalis species group within the genus Actia. The species is a known parasitoid of tortricid moth larvae, specifically recorded as a parasite of Peronea variana (black-headed budworm) in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Its immature stages develop within a secondary integumental funnel—an ingrowth of the host body wall located on either side of the host larva's mesothorax. The species occurs across eastern and central North America.
Adejeania
orange bristle fly
Adejeania is a genus of tachinid flies native to the Americas, with most species occurring in South America. The genus name derives from an alteration of 'Dejeania,' meaning 'not Dejeania.' The most widely distributed species, A. vexatrix, ranges from Mexico through western North America to British Columbia and Alberta. These flies are parasitoids of caterpillars and are important flower visitors in late summer and fall.
Admontia degeerioides
Admontia degeerioides is a species of tachinid fly described by Coquillett in 1895. It belongs to the tribe Blondeliini within the subfamily Exoristinae. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of Tachinidae, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented.
Admontia rufochaeta
Admontia rufochaeta is a tachinid fly described by Curran in 1927. It is currently recognized as a junior synonym of Admontia nasoni. The species was originally described from North American material. As a synonym, it retains no independent taxonomic status.
Athrycia cinerea
Athrycia cinerea is a univoltine tachinid fly parasitoid native to North America, primarily associated with the bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata) in Canadian rapeseed fields. Females oviposit on third through sixth instar host larvae, with parasite larvae typically developing gregariously and maturing on fifth and sixth instars. The species exhibits temperature-dependent pupal diapause, which is usually prevented at 25°C but occurs at 20°C.
Belvosia
Belvosia is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) in the tribe Goniini. The genus contains over 100 species distributed across the New World from Canada to Argentina. Belvosia species are parasitoids of caterpillars, with females laying microtype eggs on host food plant foliage that are ingested by feeding larvae. A 2023 revision described 33 new species from Costa Rica, bringing the total from 72 to 107 species.
Belvosia bifasciata
Belvosia bifasciata is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It is a parasitoid fly native to the Americas, with records from the United States, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, and Mexico. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1775. As a tachinid fly, it likely serves as an internal parasite of other insects, though specific host records for this species are not well documented in the available literature.
Belvosia borealis
Belvosia borealis is a bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, first described by Aldrich in 1928. It is a parasitoid species that attacks moths in the genus Ceratomia. The species is distributed across northern North America, including Canada and the United States.
Belvosia townsendi
Belvosia townsendi is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, described by Aldrich in 1928. It is a parasitoid fly native to North America. As a member of the tribe Goniini within the subfamily Exoristinae, it belongs to a large group of tachinid flies that parasitize other insects, primarily Lepidoptera larvae.
Bessa harveyi
Bessa harveyi is a tachinid fly parasitoid that attacks the larch sawfly, Pristiphora erichsonii, in North American larch forests. The species exhibits bivoltinism, with a partial second generation emerging in fall after host larvae have completed feeding; these fall-emerging adults rarely reproduce successfully due to scarcity of alternate hosts. Despite being a common parasite, it is ineffective at preventing or terminating outbreaks of its host. Population dynamics are strongly influenced by photoperiod and temperature, with warm, prolonged summers under long-day conditions increasing bivoltinism-related mortality.
Besseria anthophila
Besseria anthophila is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae. It was described by Loew in 1871. The species has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning North America and Eurasia. Like other tachinid flies, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host relationships have not been documented in the available sources.
Bigonichetini
Bigonichetini is a tribe of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) established by Townsend in 1919. Its taxonomic status remains unsettled; some authorities consider it a synonym of Loewiini. The tribe includes four genera: Cucuba, Lissoglossa, Triarthria, and Trichactia. Members are parasitoid flies, though specific host associations for the tribe as a whole are poorly documented.
Billaea sibleyi
Billaea sibleyi is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae. The genus Billaea comprises parasitoid flies that attack various insect hosts. Billaea sibleyi has been documented in North America. As with other tachinid flies, the larvae are parasitoids that develop on or within host insects.
Carcelia
Carcelia is a genus of tachinid flies comprising over 100 described species distributed across multiple subgenera. Species within this genus are larval parasitoids of Lepidoptera, with documented hosts including noctuid moths, geometrid moths, lymantriid moths, and notodontid moths. Several species have been studied for their potential in biological control of agricultural and forestry pests, including Carcelia iliaca, which achieves parasitism rates of approximately 80% on the invasive oak processionary moth in the United Kingdom. The genus exhibits life cycle adaptations including generation synchronization with host populations and diapause strategies.
Celatoria
Celatoria is a genus of tachinid flies whose larvae are parasitoids of leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae). Several species have been evaluated as biological control agents for agricultural pests, particularly Diabrotica species and the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum). The genus includes both New World species with documented host associations in cucurbit and maize agroecosystems.
Chaetoplagia
Chaetoplagia is a genus of tachinid flies in the tribe Voriini, subfamily Dexiinae. The genus contains a single described species, Chaetoplagia atripennis, recorded from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Tachinid flies in this group are parasitoids, though specific host associations for Chaetoplagia remain undocumented.
Chaetostigmoptera manca
Chaetostigmoptera manca is a species of tachinid bristle fly described by Greene in 1934. Originally described as Plectops manca, it belongs to the tribe Blondeliini within the subfamily Exoristinae. As a member of Tachinidae, it is likely a parasitoid, though specific host relationships remain undocumented. The species is known only from the United States.
Chrysotachina
Chrysotachina is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1889. The genus comprises approximately 22 described species distributed primarily in the Neotropical region. Species within this genus are parasitoids, with larvae developing inside other insects. The genus is placed in the tribe Polideini within the subfamily Tachininae.
Clausicella turmalis
Clausicella turmalis is a species of tachinid bristle fly described by Reinhard in 1946. It belongs to the subfamily Tachininae and tribe Leskiini. As a member of Tachinidae, it is likely an endoparasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species remain undocumented.
Compsilura
Compsilura is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) established by Bouché in 1834. The genus includes several species, with Compsilura concinnata being the most extensively studied due to its historical use as a biological control agent. Species in this genus are parasitoids of Lepidoptera larvae and have been introduced to multiple continents for pest management. The genus has been implicated in unintended ecological impacts, particularly C. concinnata's role in declines of native silk moth populations in North America.
Compsilura concinnata
European Tachinid Fly
Compsilura concinnata is a polyphagous tachinid fly native to Europe that was introduced to North America in 1906 as a biological control agent for the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar). It is an endoparasitoid of insect larvae, developing within the host midgut and eventually killing it. The species attacks over 200 host species across Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera, but has proven ineffective against its intended target while causing significant non-target impacts on native Lepidoptera, including giant silk moths and monarch butterflies.
Copecrypta ruficauda
bristle fly
Copecrypta ruficauda is a species of tachinid fly described by Frederik Maurits van der Wulp in 1867. As a member of Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly whose larvae develop within other insects. The species is known from the United States and Mexico. Limited observational data exists, with 55 records on iNaturalist suggesting it is encountered infrequently.
Cryptomeigenia dubia
Cryptomeigenia dubia is a species of tachinid fly described by Curran in 1926. As a member of the Tachinidae family, it is a parasitoid fly whose larvae develop inside other insects. The genus Cryptomeigenia belongs to the tribe Blondeliini within the subfamily Exoristinae. Records indicate its presence in North America, though detailed biological information appears limited.
Cylindromyia propusilla
Cylindromyia propusilla is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, first described in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Phasiinae, a group of tachinid flies known for parasitizing true bugs (Hemiptera). The species occurs across North America including Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. Like other members of its genus, it likely functions as a parasitoid in its life cycle.
Cyrtophleba coquilletti
Cyrtophleba coquilletti is a species of tachinid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) described by Aldrich in 1926. It is known as a parasitoid of certain moth species, specifically Megalopyge crispata and Epiglaea apiata. The species is recorded from North America. Like other tachinid flies, it likely plays a role in regulating populations of its lepidopteran hosts.
Deopalpus parksi
Deopalpus parksi is a species of tachinid fly described by Reinhard in 1934. The genus Deopalpus is a small group within the diverse Tachinidae family, which comprises parasitoid flies. Few observations of this species exist in public databases, with only four records on iNaturalist. Its biology and host relationships remain poorly documented.
Dexia ventralis
Dexia ventralis is a tachinid fly described by Aldrich in 1925. As a member of the family Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host relationships for this species remain undocumented. The species is recorded from North America with limited observational data available.
Dexiinae
Dexiinae is a subfamily of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising approximately 15 tribes and over 500 described species. Members are parasitoids, with larvae developing inside host insects. The subfamily has a cosmopolitan distribution and includes notable genera such as Dexia, Rutilia, and Voria. Australasian Dexiini have been shown to parasitize scarabaeid beetle larvae (soil-dwelling) and cerambycid beetle larvae (wood-dwelling), with host associations correlating to morphological traits.
Drepanoglossa tenuirostris
Drepanoglossa tenuirostris is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, first described by Reinhard in 1939. It belongs to the tribe Leskiini within the subfamily Tachininae. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a tachinid fly, it is presumed to be parasitoid, though specific host relationships remain undocumented.
Drino
Drino is a genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) comprising parasitoid species that attack lepidopteran and other arthropod hosts. Species are primarily endoparasitoids, with larvae developing within host haemocoels. Several species exhibit distinctive biological traits including ovolarviparity (larviparity), gregarious development, and sophisticated immune evasion mechanisms. The genus has been recorded across Europe, Asia, and North America, with individual species showing varying degrees of host specificity from generalist to specialist parasitoids.
Dufouriini
Dufouriini is a tribe of tachinid flies comprising approximately 51 species across 13 genera, with worldwide distribution. Members are small, dark-colored parasitoids specializing in adult beetles (Coleoptera), particularly Chrysomelidae. Females possess highly modified terminalia adapted for introducing larvae directly into host beetles. The tribe's systematic position has been historically contentious, having been placed in Phasiinae, Voriinae, and as a subfamily before current placement in Dexiinae; recent phylogenetic analyses support its monophyly and distinct tribal status.
Epalpus signifer
Early Tachinid Fly
Epalpus signifer is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, commonly known as the Early Tachinid Fly. It is distributed across North America and is one of the earliest tachinid flies to appear in spring. The species is well-documented through citizen science observations, with over 4,000 records on iNaturalist. As a tachinid, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species are not well established.
Eucelatoria bryani
Eucelatoria bryani is a gregarious endoparasitoid tachinid fly native to North America. It parasitizes larval stages of noctuid moths, particularly Helicoverpa zea and Heliothis virescens. The species exhibits sophisticated host manipulation, accelerating host burrowing behavior to ensure pupariation in protected soil environments. It has been extensively studied for its potential as a biological control agent against agricultural pests.
Euchaetogyne
Euchaetogyne is a genus of tachinid flies established by Townsend in 1908. The genus contains a single described species, Euchaetogyne roederi, originally described by Williston in 1893. These flies are parasitoids, a characteristic feature of the family Tachinidae. The genus is distributed in North America, with records from the United States and Mexico.
Euclytia flava
Euclytia flava is a tachinid fly parasitoid of stink bugs (Pentatomidae) native to North America. The species has been demonstrated to use host pheromones and allomones as kairomones for host-finding, with distinct kairomone strains that respond to different host species' semiochemicals. It has been tested for classical biological control applications, showing preference for exotic pentatomid species over indigenous hosts in choice tests. The species can be captured in large numbers using pheromone-baited traps targeting its native host Podisus maculiventris.
Euthera bicolor
Euthera bicolor is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae, described by Coquillett in 1902. It belongs to the tribe Eutherini within the subfamily Dexiinae. The species is known from North America. As with other tachinid flies, it is presumably a parasitoid, though specific host records for this species are not documented in the provided sources.
Eutherini
Eutherini is a tribe of tachinid flies within the subfamily Dexiinae. The tribe contains two genera: Euthera Loew, 1854 and Redtenbacheria Schiner, 1861. Members are parasitoid flies whose larvae develop inside other insects.
Exorista
uzi fly
Exorista is a genus of tachinid flies comprising approximately 70 described species distributed across multiple subgenera. The genus includes both beneficial biocontrol agents and economically significant pests of sericulture. Species such as E. sorbillans (uzi fly) are major constraints on silk production, causing up to 80% crop loss in outdoor silkworm operations through endoparasitic larval development. Other species have been evaluated for biological control of agricultural pests, including E. larvarum for in vitro rearing and E. deligata for control of tea loopers. The genus exhibits diverse host associations, primarily targeting Lepidoptera.
Exoristini
Exoristini is a tribe of flies within the family Tachinidae, subfamily Exoristinae. The tribe contains approximately 22 genera, including the type genus Exorista Meigen, 1803. Members are parasitoid flies, with larvae typically developing inside other insects. The tribe is distinguished from related tachinid tribes by morphological features of the male terminalia and larval cephalopharyngeal skeleton. Exoristini has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species found across multiple continents.
Exoristoides johnsoni
Exoristoides johnsoni is a species of tachinid bristle fly described by Coquillett in 1897. It is a parasitoid of crickets, specifically known to attack Gryllus integer and other members of the family Gryllidae. The species occurs across North America from Canada through the United States to Mexico. As a tachinid fly, it likely oviposits on or near its hosts, with larvae developing internally and eventually killing the host.
Freraea
Freraea is a genus of tachinid flies (family Tachinidae) established by Robineau-Desvoidy in 1830. It belongs to the tribe Freraeini within the subfamily Dexiinae. The genus contains at least two described species: Freraea gagatea and Freraea montana. Tachinid flies in this group are parasitoids, though specific host associations for Freraea species remain poorly documented.
Ginglymia johnsoni
Ginglymia johnsoni is a species of tachinid fly described by Coquillett in 1895. As a member of the Tachinidae family, it is a parasitoid fly, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented. The species is recorded from North America with minimal observational data available.
Gonia brevipulvilli
Gonia brevipulvilli is a species of tachinid fly described by Tothill in 1924. As a member of the family Tachinidae, it belongs to a group of parasitoid flies whose larvae develop within other insects. The specific epithet "brevipulvilli" refers to short pulvilli (lobed structures on the pretarsus of the leg). The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States.
Goniocera io
Goniocera io is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, first described by Aldrich in 1929. The species is known from North America. As a tachinid fly, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations remain undocumented. The genus Goniocera belongs to the tribe Siphonini within the subfamily Tachininae.
Gymnoclytia dubia
Gymnoclytia dubia is a North American tachinid fly species first described by West in 1925. As a member of the family Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly whose larvae develop inside other insects. The species has been documented parasitizing the true bug Cosmopepla bimaculata.
Gymnoclytia immaculata
Gymnoclytia immaculata is a North American tachinid fly species in the family Tachinidae. As a parasitoid, its larvae develop within host insects rather than feeding independently. The species has been recorded from hosts in both Lepidoptera and Hemiptera, specifically the armyworm moth Pseudaletia unipuncta and the stink bug Euschistus variolarius. It occurs across a broad geographic range from British Columbia to Quebec in Canada, throughout the United States, and south into Mexico.
Gymnoclytia occidentalis
Gymnoclytia occidentalis is a North American tachinid fly described by Townsend in 1908. As a member of the family Tachinidae, it is a parasitoid fly whose larvae develop inside other insects. The species occurs in western North America from British Columbia to New Mexico.
Gymnoclytia unicolor
Gymnoclytia unicolor is a North American tachinid fly described by Brooks in 1946. The species is placed in the genus Gymnoclytia within the family Tachinidae, a large group of parasitoid flies. Its specific epithet "unicolor" suggests uniform coloration, though detailed morphological descriptions are limited in available sources. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range in the United States.
Gymnosoma canadense
Gymnosoma canadense is a Nearctic tachinid fly described by Brooks in 1946. It belongs to a genus characterized by compact, rounded abdomens that resemble lady beetles. Like other members of Gymnosoma, its larvae are parasitoids of stink bugs (Pentatomidae). The species occurs in Canada and the United States, though detailed biological records remain limited.