Japanese Beetle Tachinid vs Zodion Thick-headed Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Japanese Beetle Tachinid | Zodion Thick-headed Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Istocheta aldrichi | Zodion cinereum |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tachinidae | Conopidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 5-8 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Underground |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | North America, Asia | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Japanese Beetle Tachinid
A parasitic fly introduced from Japan to North America specifically for Japanese beetle control. Females lay eggs on the beetle's thorax.
Did You Know?
White eggs visible on a Japanese beetle's thorax are a telltale sign of parasitism by this fly.
Zodion Thick-headed Fly
A small, grayish-brown conopid fly with a slightly swollen head and prominent proboscis. It is commonly found on flowers where it stalks small bees and wasps for parasitism.
Did You Know?
Unlike larger conopids that tackle bumblebees, this species specializes in parasitizing smaller sweat bees and halictids.