Parasitic Flies : Tachinid flies
categories: Natural Enemies Parasitic Flies
last review date: 2025-08-23 06:20
Photo by: D.G. James
Biology
Tachinid flies resemble large house flies and are the most important group of parasitic flies usually targeting caterpillars.
Tachinids range from ¼ to ½ inch in length and are usually dark, robust and hairy with stout bristles at the tip of their abdomen.
Eggs are laid on their hosts or on the plants that their hosts use.
Young larvae bore their way into their caterpillar hosts and feed on internal organs until the host dies and the larva reemerges to pupate.
Prey or Pest Targeted
- Aphids, mealybugs, caterpillars, true bugs, beetles, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, spiders, wasps, bees, whiteflies, insect eggs
Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies
and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden
- Native plants provide essential resources.
- Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
- Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
- Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
- Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
- Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
- Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- None recommended
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.