Subarctic Flesh Fly vs Stink Bug Tachinid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Subarctic Flesh Fly Stink Bug Tachinid
Scientific Name Sarcophaga nigriventris Trichopoda pennipes
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Sarcophagidae Tachinidae
Size 8-14 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Heathland Farmland
Diet Carrion Feeders Parasites
Regions Scandinavia, northern Russia, subarctic Canada, Alaska North America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Subarctic Flesh Fly

A medium-sized gray fly with black longitudinal stripes on the thorax and a checkered abdomen. Unlike most flies, females give birth to live larvae rather than laying eggs. Adults are found on carrion and dung.

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Did You Know?

By giving birth to live larvae that are ready to feed immediately, this fly gives its offspring a head start in the short Arctic summer.

Stink Bug Tachinid

A distinctive parasitic fly with a flattened orange abdomen and feathery legs. It attacks stink bugs and squash bugs in agricultural settings.

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Did You Know?

Its fringed hind legs are thought to mimic bee pollen baskets, confusing predators.