Caterpillar Tachinid vs Mountain Long-legged Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Caterpillar Tachinid | Mountain Long-legged Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lydella thompsoni | Dolichopus alpinus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tachinidae | Dolichopodidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 4-6 mm body length |
| Habitat | Farmland | Meadows |
| Diet | Parasites | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Alps, Central European mountains |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Caterpillar Tachinid
A small gray parasitic fly that attacks European corn borer larvae. It was introduced to North America as a biological control agent.
Did You Know?
Females deposit live larvae rather than eggs directly onto the host caterpillar.
Mountain Long-legged Fly
A metallic green fly with long legs found in damp alpine meadows. Males perform elaborate courtship displays using their ornamental leg scales.
Did You Know?
Males wave their decorated legs like flags during courtship to impress females.