Tachina lurida
This record describes Tachina lurida (species). Recorded family: Tachinidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species lacks the pale stripes across the posterior edges of each tergite and has bolder orange abdominal side patches than Tachina ursina, the other similar species that may be encountered at the start of April. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Tachinids are commonly referred to as ’parasitic flies’ because the larvae feed on the body tissues of immature or adult invertebrates. However, although we use the term parasite they are really parasitoids – the difference being that parasites don’t kill their hosts, but parasitoids usually cause the death of the host in some way – either by killing them outright – or by weakening them so much that they die. Widespread but only occasionally recorded in Britain.
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
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
From early April.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Tachinids are commonly referred to as ’parasitic flies’ because the larvae feed on the body tissues of immature or adult invertebrates. However, although we use the term parasite they are really parasitoids – the difference being that parasites don’t kill their hosts, but parasitoids usually cause the death of the host in some way – either by killing them outright – or by weakening them so much that they die.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but only occasionally recorded in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Tachina lurida. 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 lurida (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tachina lurida
What is Tachina lurida?
Tachina lurida is a species in the family Tachinidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Tachina lurida found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Tachina lurida active?
Tachina lurida: seasonal activity - From early April..
What is the life cycle of a Tachina lurida?
Tachinids are commonly referred to as ’parasitic flies’ because the larvae feed on the body tissues of immature or adult invertebrates. However, although we use the term parasite they are really parasitoids – the difference being that parasites don’t kill their hosts, but parasitoids usually cause the death of the host in some way – either by killing them outright – or by weakening them so much that they die.