Field Guide    Biocontrols  Tachinid Flies

Tachinid Flies

Tachinid flies are important biological controls, they play an important role in controlling pest populations. These flies target a wide range of destructive pests, including caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and other pests. Their effectiveness makes them a very important component in integrated pest management strategies.

Female tachinid flies lay their eggs on or near host insects, and the emerging larvae burrow into the host's body, consuming and killing it from the inside. This leads to a significant reduction in pest populations. Some tachinid species lay their eggs directly onto the host, others leave them on plant surfaces for the pest to eat.

Using tachinid flies as biocontrol agents are beneficial because of their ability to naturally monitor pest populations, their adaptability to cope to different agricultural environments, and their contribution to limiting chemical pesticide use.

By introducing tachinid flies into agricultural practices, farmers can enhance pest control while reducing environmental impact.