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Giant tachinid fly

Giant tachinid fly

Tachina grossa

A species of Tachina

The life cycle of giant tachinid fly begins as an internal parasite to beetle larvae, upon which its own larvae feed before emerging. As adults, they exhibit a striking appearance with distinctly patterned bodies, featuring contrasting black and white markings, and dense bristles. These adults are most commonly observed in summer when they seek out flowers, contributing to pollination while feeding on nectar.

General Info About Giant tachinid fly
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Attributes of Giant tachinid fly
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
These flies mainly inhabit dry open meadows, peat land, moors, forests, heaths and gardens.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, honeydew, flower pollen, plant and fruit juices, decaying matter
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Giant tachinid fly 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 Giant tachinid fly 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
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Sponging mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Giant tachinid fly
This species can be found throughout most of Western Europe, east to Asia and in Mongolia.
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Life Cycle of Giant tachinid fly
Egg In the egg stage, giant tachinid fly is typically minuscule, oval, and discreet, serving as a protective capsule from which the larvae emerge. Coloration ranges from translucent to white.
Larva As larvae, giant tachinid flys are cylindrical, segmented, and grow significantly. They lack true legs but may have false legs or prolegs, and eat voraciously to gather energy for further stages.
Pupal During the pupal stage, giant tachinid flys experience metamorphosis inside a puparium, transforming drastically. They are immobile as their color darkens and adult features gradually develop.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult giant tachinid fly’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.
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Predators of Giant tachinid fly Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, spiders
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Predators of Adult Giant tachinid fly
Birds, bats, assassin bugs, spiders
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Scientific Classification of Giant tachinid fly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Family
Tachinids
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Genus
Tachina
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Tips for Finding Giant tachinid fly
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Youth Habitat of Giant tachinid fly
On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic Relationships)
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Adult Habitat of Giant tachinid fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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When is the Best Time to Observe Giant tachinid fly
The most appropriate time to find adult giant tachinid fly is during sunny days when they are actively seeking flowers for nectar. Larval stages are best searched for when the host insect populations are abundant.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Giant tachinid fly
Warm and dry weather conditions are typically suitable for finding giant tachinid fly as humidity can affect their flying patterns and the availability of their host insects.
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How and Where Can You Find Giant tachinid fly at Different Life Stages
Egg Egg stage giant tachinid fly will be inside the host. To find them, locate and examine the bodies of potential host insects -- typically caterpillars or other larval-stage insects.
Larva During larval stage, giant tachinid fly are internal parasites and will be within the host's body. Look for hosts that display sluggishness or other unusual behaviors that indicate parasitization.
Pupal Pupal stage giant tachinid fly are mostly immobile and could be found in soil or on vegetation. Search near places where infested hosts are prevalent, and look for dark-colored pupae attached to substrates like leaves or embedded in the topsoil.
Adult Adult giant tachinid fly are attracted to flowers, so searching in gardens, meadows, or areas with abundant blooms can yield sightings. They are often seen during midday when temperatures are suitable for their activity.
Are Giant tachinid fly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Giant tachinid fly
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Parasitoids of Pests
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Giant tachinid fly assists in pollination primarily by feeding on pollen. Attracted by the smell and color of flowers, it inadvertently transfers pollen from one bloom to another. This incidental contact during feeding facilitates the cross-pollination of plants.
Parasitoids of Pests
Parasitic Position Type
Endoparasitism
Host Type
Moths, Beetles, Grasshoppers
Host Stage
Larvae, Nymphs, Pupae
Giant tachinid fly is an intriguing example of nature's balancing act, where it plays a vital role in controlling pest populations. During its larval stage, giant tachinid fly covertly infiltrates the body of its host and consumes it from the inside, exhibiting a form of endoparasitism. This insect does not specialize in a single host; instead, it can parasitize a variety of insects like caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers, highlighting its adaptability and importance in pest management.
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