Cylindrical Tachinid vs Soldier Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cylindrical Tachinid Soldier Fly
Scientific Name Cylindromyia brassicaria Odontomyia tigrina
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Tachinidae Stratiomyidae
Size 8-12 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Heathland Ponds & Lakes
Diet Parasites Pollen Feeders
Regions Europe Europe
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.

Soldier Fly

A brightly colored soldier fly with aquatic larvae that filter-feed in ponds.

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Did You Know?

Larvae float at the surface and breathe through a rosette of hydrophobic tail hairs.