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Family Tachinidae
Very large Tachinid fly About 1.5-2" in length with heavy build and 5 distinct line of bristles. Head and thorax green, abdomen ginger/red with black segmental stripes.
Found in Tari in Southern Highland Province, PNG. Altitude 2,167m (7,110').
Photographed at night attracted to a night light. Many thanks to Felix for pointing me in the right direction with this one. There are over 8,000 species of Tachinids known world wide. They are characterized by their habit of laying eggs on or near their hosts where the maggot eats it from the inside. Eggs can be laid on the host directly or on nearby food plants of hosts. Altogether a fascinating life cycle.
Spotted on Aug 2, 2016
Submitted on Sep 11, 2016
9 Comments
Updated spotting. Thank you Felix. For anyone interested the life cycle of these fly's is both incredible and varied between species.
Hey Neil, I hope your stick is a big one. If Felix is right, and I think he is, this lady could drop eggs on you from a great height! You better put your tin hat on too. Lol.
Thank you for your comment James. This is certainly the biggest fly I have ever seen.
Very interesting looking fly. Never seen one with such a thick set body before. Fantastic pics
Thank you Felix. I think you are right it is a Tachniael. Will update when I can. Thanks for the great link too. Rob.
Nice spotting! This one in the Tachinidae looks somewhat similar http://www.whatsthatbug.com/category/fli...
Nah, Rob, you knock these guys on the head with a stick, they'd be so slow. Bring it on :)
Thanks Neil. I know what you mean, if our blow flies were this big I reckon we would all be running for cover! Lol
Wow, talk about industrial strength! It's amazing how critters get bigger when closer to the equator. Cool spotting, Rob.