Globular Tachinid vs Mormon Metalmark

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Globular Tachinid Mormon Metalmark
Scientific Name Gymnosoma rotundatum Apodemia mormo
Order Diptera Lepidoptera
Family Tachinidae Riodinidae
Size 6-8 mm 22-30 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Parasites Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Western North America from Canada to Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern (species); some subspecies criticall

Globular Tachinid

A distinctive round-bodied parasitic fly colored bright orange-red with black markings. Parasitizes shieldbugs. One of the most easily recognized tachinid flies.

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Did You Know?

The unusually round, bright orange body makes this one of the most recognizable parasitic flies.

Mormon Metalmark

A small butterfly with dark brown wings covered in white spots arranged in irregular bands. Several of its subspecies are critically endangered.

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Did You Know?

The Lange's metalmark subspecies, restricted to a single sand dune in California, is one of the rarest butterflies in the world.