Cylindrical Tachinid vs Sweat Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cylindrical Tachinid Sweat Fly
Scientific Name Cylindromyia brassicaria Hydrotaea irritans
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tachinidae Muscidae
Size 8-12 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Heathland Farmland
Diet Parasites Dung Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Cylindrical Tachinid

A slender, wasp-like parasitic fly with a narrow cylindrical abdomen. Parasitizes shieldbugs by laying eggs directly onto the host. Found in warm, flower-rich habitats.

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Did You Know?

Its wasp-like appearance is a remarkable case of mimicry in a group of true flies.

Sweat Fly

A small dark fly attracted to perspiration on humans and livestock. It forms dense head-circling swarms in summer that can be extremely annoying.

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Did You Know?

Swarms of these flies can reduce cattle weight gain by causing constant head-tossing behavior.