Tachinid Fly
Bristly, robust flies that parasitise caterpillars, beetles, earwigs, and other insects. One of the most important natural controls of caterpillar pest populations.
Why you want them
Tachinid flies are major natural regulators of caterpillar pest populations. They lay their eggs directly on caterpillars, inside them, or on host plant foliage for caterpillars to ingest. The larvae then develop inside the host, killing it before pupating. They target many economically important pests including armyworms, corn earworms, and various cutworm species. Adults need nectar and pollen and are easily supported by diverse flowering companion plants.
Helps control
How to attract them
- Dill
- Fennel
- Wild carrot
- Goldenrod
- Sweet alyssum
- Coriander flower
- Yarrow
Preferred habitat
Present wherever caterpillar host populations occur. Adults are often seen visiting flowers on warm days. They overwinter as pupae in the soil.
What harms them
Broad-spectrum insecticide use, loss of flowering companion plants that adults require, and deep cultivation that destroys soil pupae.
Related pest guides
Garden, by Willowbottom works with nature, not against it. Support your garden allies and they will do most of the hard work for you.