Tachinid Fly

Tachinidae

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Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

+5 Beneficial

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

gardensmeadowsforest edgesorchards

Taxonomic Group

Fly

Order

Diptera

Family

Tachinidae

Lifecycle

The Tachinid fly undergoes a complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The reproductive strategies of these flies are diverse. Most commonly, the female fly attaches her eggs to the exterior of a host insect. Upon hatching, the larval maggot burrows into the host and feeds on its internal tissues, which ultimately results in the host's death. In other species, eggs are injected directly into the host, laid on foliage to be consumed by the host, or hatch within the female, who then deposits the larvae on or near a host. After the larva has matured, it will emerge from the deceased host to pupate, either in the soil or within the host's remains. The adult fly, which is not parasitic, then emerges from the pupa and subsists on nectar, pollen, and other organic matter.

Overwintering Strategy

Tachinid flies overwinter in various ways depending on the species. Some survive the winter as pupae, residing in the soil or within leaf litter. Other species spend the winter as larvae inside their living, overwintering hosts.

Native Range

Worldwide

Attracted By

yarrowdillfennelparsleycilantroangelicafeverfewboltoniachamomileShasta daisiesasterscoreopsiswhite flowers

Companion Planting

Companion planting with flowers from the carrot and daisy families can help attract Tachinid flies to the garden. Planting dill, fennel, parsley, cilantro, angelica, feverfew, chamomile, yarrow, and coreopsis near crops that are susceptible to pests like caterpillars, beetles, and squash bugs can help to naturally control these pest populations.