Tachinid Fly

This is a tachinid fly. The family Tachinidae is the largest family of insect parasitic flies. Many species of tachinid flies have been introduced into the United States to help suppress pest populations. The larva of this species is parasitic on other insects. The methods for infecting host insects can vary between species of tachinid flies. Some species lay their eggs near the potential host so the eggs can be consumed to enter the host's body. Other species attach their eggs directly to the host so the larvae may burrow themselves into the host's body. Some adult females can use their modified ovipositor to pierce the host and directly inject their eggs into the host's body.  

Order: Diptera
Family: Tachinidae

Photograph: © 2012 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 7 July 2012
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45^o43'41" N 111^o08'11" W)