Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Popular Insects
Tachina fera

Tachina fera

Tachina fera

A species of Tachina

The tachina fera is a fascinating dipteran whose larval stage plays a parasitic role, typically infesting caterpillars. As an adult, it exhibits a distinctive hairy appearance with patterns that enable it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Renowned for its contribution to controlling pest populations, this species showcases the intricate balance of symbiosis and predation within its ecosystem.

General Info About Tachina fera
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Tachina fera
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
humid region; meadow; woodland; forest and edge; clearing; heath; moorland; garden
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, honeydew, plant sap, decaying fruit, other organic matter
Larva Food Source
Lepidopteran caterpillars, noctuid moths larvae, other insect larvae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Tachina fera is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Tachina fera feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Tachina fera
It can be found in the entire Palaearctic ecozone, across Europe as far north as Scandinavia and European Russia. It is also present in Israel, North Asia, east to China, Mongolia, Korea, Japan and in North Africa.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Tachina fera
Entire Palearctic realm, Israel, North Asia, North Africa
Rectangle
Appearance of Tachina fera
Tachina fera can reach a length of 9 - 14 mm, with a wingspan of 1.6 - 2.5 cm. These tachinids show a grayish upper side of the thorax with regular black stripes. The abdomen is yellow orange with a wide black dorsal stripe ending in a point. The head is yellowish colored, with long antennae. The wings are slightly yellow tinged, show a brownish yellow veining and are yellow brown at the base. The legs are predominantly yellowish, but in the male they are usually dark with a yellow tip.
ImageImageImageImageImage

How to Identify Tachina fera?

Rectangle
Life Cycle of Tachina fera
Egg The egg phase is the initial stage in tachina fera's life cycle, characterized by small, often oval structures. They are laid in clusters, and the protective coating varies from transparent to colored depending on the species.
Larva After hatching, the larvae of tachina fera are maggots with a soft, elongated body, lacking true legs. This stage is solely focused on feeding and growth, often undergoing several molts to increase in size.
Pupal Having consumed enough, the larva of tachina fera forms a pupa. This resting stage is a transformation chamber where it metamorphoses. The pupa can vary in color and has a hardened exoskeleton.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult tachina fera's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Tachina fera
9 - 14 mm
Rectangle
Predators of Tachina fera Larvae
Birds, rodents, arthropods such as beetles and ants
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Tachina fera
Birds, rodents, spiders, other predatory insects such as robber flies and wasps
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Tachina fera
The tachina fera has larvae that are internal parasites, stealthily developing within other insects before emerging.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Tachina fera
Class
Bugs
Icon allow
Order
Flies
Icon allow
Family
Tachinids
Icon allow
Genus
Tachina
Icon allow
Tips for Finding Tachina fera
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Tachina fera
On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships), Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Tachina fera
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Tachina fera
Since adult tachina fera feed on nectar and sugar-rich substances, a trap baited with sweet substances or flowers can attract them.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Tachina fera Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of tachina fera are typically laid on plant leaves frequented by suitable host insects. Larvae, being endoparasitic, are found inside those hosts which they need to develop, commonly caterpillars found on various plants. Once fully grown, the larvae leave the host to pupate in the soil, often in loose or sandy earth. To find these stages, one would carefully inspect plants for eggs, dissect host larvae for parasitic occupants, or sift through suitable soil for pupae. The adults are frequently seen in flower-rich areas, hedgerows, and meadows where they feed and mate.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Tachina fera
The adult tachina fera are most active during the day when temperatures are warm, which is the best time to observe and capture them.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Tachina fera
Tachina fera is more likely to be found in mild to warm weather, as extreme temperatures can affect their activity patterns.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Tachina fera at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of tachina fera are typically laid inside or near the host insect, making them difficult to find. To locate eggs, one must search for host insects and carefully observe them for any attached eggs.
Larva Larvae of tachina fera develop inside a host, so finding the larvae involves locating and examining potential host insects for signs of parasitism. This can often be done by rearing suspected parasitized insects in captivity.
Pupal Pupae of tachina fera may be found in soil or leaf litter near the location where the larva exited its host. Sifting through potential pupation sites can help in locating them.
Adult Adult tachina fera can be found on flowers or flying near hosts. They can be caught using nets or attracted to traps baited with suitable food items like rotting fruit or sugar solutions.
Are Tachina fera harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Beneficial Effects of Tachina fera
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Parasitoids of Pests
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Smell
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Tachina fera is attracted to flowers primarily by their scent. While feeding on pollen, tachina fera inadvertently collects pollen on its body and transfers it to other flowers, aiding in plant pollination. This incidental contact ensures the continuation of various plant species.
Parasitoids of Pests
Parasitic Position Type
Endoparasitism
Parasitic Special Type
Specific Parasitism
Host Type
Moths, Beetles
Host Stage
Larvae, Pupae
Tachina fera is an example of nature's complex interrelationships, serving as an endoparasitoid at the larval stage. It specifically targets the larvae and pupae of certain caterpillars and beetle larvae. Utilizing its host for nutrition, tachina fera plays a vital role in natural pest control, thereby contributing to the balance of ecosystems.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow