Cylindrical Tachinid vs Lovebug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cylindrical Tachinid | Lovebug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cylindromyia brassicaria | Plecia nearctica |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Tachinidae | Bibionidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 6-9 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Grasslands |
| Diet | Parasites | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | North America, Central 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.
Did You Know?
Its wasp-like appearance is a remarkable case of mimicry in a group of true flies.
Lovebug
A small black march fly famous for flying in mated pairs connected end to end for days. Massive swarms occur twice yearly in the southeastern United States, causing significant nuisance.
Did You Know?
Their acidic body chemistry can damage car paint if not washed off quickly, costing motorists millions annually.