Common Stiletto Fly vs Globular Tachinid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Common Stiletto Fly Globular Tachinid
Scientific Name Thereva nobilitata Gymnosoma rotundatum
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Therevidae Tachinidae
Size 8-12 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Herbivores Parasites
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Common Stiletto Fly

A slender, densely hairy fly with a pointed abdomen and silvery-white body hairs. Adults bask on sunlit leaves and bare ground, making short rapid flights when approached.

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Did You Know?

Stiletto fly larvae are important biological control agents, feeding on root-eating pest larvae in sandy soils.

Globular Tachinid

A distinctive round-bodied parasitic fly colored bright orange-red with black markings. Parasitizes shieldbugs. One of the most easily recognized tachinid flies.

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Did You Know?

The unusually round, bright orange body makes this one of the most recognizable parasitic flies.