Tachina fera
This record describes Tachina fera (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Tachina fera is a large (9 to 16 mm) and bristly fly with a prominent broad black stripe down the centre of an otherwise orange abdomen. It has a relatively narrow frons and red-brown front tarsi which helps to distinguish it from the very similar Tachina magnicornis . Easily confused with Tachina magnicornis , a recent arrival in VC55. This species has a wider frons and dark front tarsi (except for the basitarsus). Unless identified by a recognised expert, a quality image (or images) is required clearly showing the frons (top of the head between the eyes) and the front tarsi. Can often be seen in moist and well vegetated locations where it feeds on umbellifers and waterside plants. Larvae are parasites of caterpillars and other young insects. Common and widespread in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Tachina fera: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachina_fera.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Tachinidae
- Genus
- Tachina
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Can often be seen in moist and well vegetated locations where it feeds on umbellifers and waterside plants.
Seasonal Activity
May to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae are parasites of caterpillars and other young insects.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tachina fera. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Tachina fera (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tachina fera
What is Tachina fera?
Tachina fera is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Tachina fera found?
Habitat: Can often be seen in moist and well vegetated locations where it feeds on umbellifers and waterside plants.
When is Tachina fera active?
Tachina fera: seasonal activity - May to September..
What is the life cycle of a Tachina fera?
Larvae are parasites of caterpillars and other young insects.