Cylindrical Tachinid vs Valenzuela Barklouse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cylindrical Tachinid Valenzuela Barklouse
Scientific Name Cylindromyia brassicaria Valenzuela flavidus
Order Diptera Psocoptera
Family Tachinidae Caeciliusidae
Size 8-12 mm 2.0-3.0 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Parasites Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, North America, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

Valenzuela Barklouse

A common yellowish barklouse found on a wide range of trees and shrubs. It is one of the most abundant psocids in temperate regions.

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Did You Know?

This species is so common that it appears in almost every barklouse survey conducted in Europe.