Cylindrical Tachinid vs Teratembiid Web Spinner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cylindrical Tachinid Teratembiid Web Spinner
Scientific Name Cylindromyia brassicaria Teratembia geniculata
Order Diptera Embioptera
Family Tachinidae Teratembiidae
Size 8-12 mm 6.0-9.0 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Parasites Wood Feeders
Regions Europe North America
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.

Teratembiid Web Spinner

A small web spinner found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has distinctively bent hind femora used for navigating silk tunnels.

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Did You Know?

The bent knees of this web spinner act as anchors allowing it to brace inside its silk tunnels when threatened.