Tachinid Fly

Description:

Tachnid Flies look very much like common house flies. There are many different species of Tachnid Flies, but nearly all of them are predators that eat other garden pests. Most Tachnid Flies are 1/3 to 1/2 inch in length. Adults can be identified by the course bristles (like whiskers) covering their abdomens. Tachnid flies can be many colors including: mottled black, grayish, or brown.

Habitat:

Meadow in Wichita Forest.

Notes:

Tachinid Fly adults are nectar feeders. Tachnid flies are considered beneficial because they kill and eat lots of different kinds of insects in gardens and in the fields. The other insects they eat includ: caterpillars, beetles, sawflies, borers, and green stink bugs . They also eat such pests as: cutworms, codling moths, tent caterpillars, cabbage loopers, and gypsy moth larvae. Gardeners like to see Tachnid Flies among the vegetables and flowers because they prey on so many different kinds of insects that harm plants. These valuable flies can be attracted to the garden by planting flowers and herbs such as dill, parsley and Queen Anne's Lace. They also love spearmint.