Tachinidae differ from the Calliphoridae by their prominent postscutellum, which protrudes beneath the scutellum.
The name derives from the Ancient Greek ταχύς, takhús (“fast”), referring to the quick flight of these flies.
Tachinidae – Tachinid Flies
Tachinidae, or tachinid flies, form a large family of parasitoid dipterans that play a crucial ecological role by naturally regulating insect populations. Adults resemble large flesh flies, with a hairy and sometimes colorful body, prominent red eyes, and loud buzzing flight. Females lay their eggs on or inside living hosts (caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers…), and the larvae develop inside the host's body, eventually killing it. Though not always appealing to look at, tachinids are essential to ecosystem balance and are natural agents of biological pest control.
