Bristle flies are a fascinating group of insects known for their unique features and behavior. These insects are part of the family Tachinidae, which comprises around 8,200 known species worldwide. Bristle flies are named for the distinctive bristles that cover their bodies, providing a clue to their identity.
One of the roles of bristle flies is their contribution to the ecosystem as parasitoids. They lay their eggs on or in other insect hosts, and their larvae eventually consume the host from the inside, killing it. This makes them valuable in controlling pest populations, such as caterpillars, beetles, and aphids, offering great potential for biological pest control methods.
Interestingly, some bristle flies are also pollinators. Adult flies consume nectar from flowers and can help in the pollination process. Their presence and importance in various ecosystems make understanding bristle flies an essential topic.
Bristle Fly Basics
Identification and Characteristics
Bristle flies belong to the family Tachinidae in the order Diptera, which also includes house flies. They can be easily recognized by the following features:
- Bristles covering their body
- Large eyes
- Resemblance to house flies
Similar to other insects, adult bristle flies have three main body sections: head, thorax, and abdomen.
Size and Color
Bristle flies can come in varying sizes and colors, depending on the species. For instance:
- Some species are small, similar to house flies (less than 3⁄8 inch in length)
- Other species can be as large as 1 inch in length
- Colors range from black, brown, to metallic
Distribution and Habitat
Bristle flies can be found across the United States and in other countries as well. These insects inhabit diverse environments, such as:
- Forests
- Meadows
- Urban areas
Now you have a brief understanding of the bristle fly’s basic identification, characteristics, size, color, distribution, and habitat.
Bristle Fly Life Cycle and Behavior
Development and Stages
Bristle flies undergo a complete metamorphosis, with four developmental stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larval stage, also known as maggot, is the main feeding stage of the insect. They transform to pupae, immobile and non-feeding, as they develop into adults.
Feeding Habits
Bristle flies have diverse feeding habits. Adult flies mainly feed on nectar and pollen, while larvae feed on various insects like:
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
- Grasshoppers
Some species of bristle flies even act as parasites or predators, feeding on bees, beetles, and ants.
Mating and Reproduction
Mating in bristle flies involves the male placing a sperm packet into the female’s reproductive tract. After fertilization, females lay their eggs on suitable hosts or substrates, such as decaying organic matter or on the bodies of other insects.
Predators and Pests
Bristle flies have numerous natural enemies, including:
- Spiders
- Predatory beetles
- Other kinds of flies
These predators help to control bristle fly populations in different regions, such as Wisconsin and Canada. Occasionally, bristle flies may cause infestations in households, and getting rid of them can be achieved by eliminating their breeding sites.
Bristle Fly Features
- Bristles on the body
- Two wings with distinct venation
- Short antennae
Bristle Fly Characteristics
- Robust or slender body shape
- Wide color variation
- Pollinators for some plant species
Pros and Cons of Bristle Flies
Pros
- Contribute to controlling pest populations
- Act as pollinators for some plants
Cons
- Can cause infestations in homes
- Some species are biting flies
Comparison Table: Housefly vs. Bristle Fly
Characteristic | Housefly | Bristle Fly |
---|---|---|
Size | < 3/8 inch | 1/8 to 1 inch |
Appearance | Dark, no bristles | Bristles, colorful |
Feeding | Decaying matter | Nectar, pollen, insects |
Role | Transmit diseases | Pollinators, pest control |
Bristle Fly Interactions with Humans
As Pests and Infestations
Bristle flies are considered pests because they can bite and bother humans, especially in outdoor settings. These insects are often attracted to human activities and events such as picnics, barbecues, or upcoming events listed on a calendar.
Some common issues with bristle fly infestations include:
- Bites causing irritation and discomfort
- Buzzing around and annoying people during outdoor events
- Landing and crawling on food or surfaces, potentially spreading germs
Dealing with Bristle Flies
There are various strategies to deal with bristle flies. Here are a few examples:
- Use insect repellent on exposed skin and clothing
- Install bug zappers or fly traps in affected areas
- Ensure proper sanitation and waste disposal to reduce fly attraction
For even more information, consider checking out online forums where people discuss their experiences and successful methods for dealing with bristle fly infestations.
A comparison table of common methods to deal with bristle flies:
Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Insect repellent | Easy to apply | Needs reapplication |
Bug zapper | Continuous protection | Needs electricity |
Fly trap | Chemical-free | Limited coverage |
By understanding bristle fly behavior and using the appropriate methods, humans can minimize the impact of these pests on their lives and activities. Remember, always prioritize safety and cleanliness when dealing with any pest infestation.
Resources and Further Information
Photo Galleries
There are various online resources where you can find high-quality images and photos of Bristle Flies. These photo galleries are valuable for:
- visual identification
- studying female and male differences
- observing various stages in their life cycle
We recommend checking out BugGuide and looking up their taxonomy under arthropods and hexapods / calyptratae.
Online Field Guides
For more in-depth information on Bristle Fly identification and taxonomy, online field guides can be helpful. These guides give you a better understanding of:
- Bristle Fly characteristics
- Habitat preferences
- Behavior
Some field guide examples include the Clickable Guide on BugGuide and the Arthropod Guide on Louisiana State University’s website.
Upcoming Events and Gatherings
Participating in gatherings and events can further expand your knowledge on Bristle Flies. Some notable gatherings are:
- BugGuide Gathering: An annual event where arthropod enthusiasts meet to learn and share information. Upcoming gatherings include Spring 2021 in Virginia and New Mexico. More details here
- National Moth Week: A global event focused on moth appreciation and education. Bristle Flies might be a topic of interest during these events. Check their website for more details.
Event | Time | Location |
---|---|---|
BugGuide Gathering (Spring 2021) | Spring 2021 | Virginia |
BugGuide Gathering (New Mexico) | TBD | New Mexico |
National Moth Week | Annually | Worldwide |
Ways to Support
If you’re interested in contributing to Bristle Fly research and conservation efforts, consider donating to organizations like BugGuide. Their donation page provides more information on how you can support their cause.
Contributors and Acknowledgements
We are grateful to various naturalists who shared their expertise and knowledge about Bristle Fly, making this article possible. A special thanks to John F. Carr for his valuable insights and guidance.
Our platform encourages users to register and participate by adding comments to enrich the conversation around these fascinating creatures. We thank both expert professionals and enthusiastic amateurs for contributing to this article.
To ensure accurate information, we highly recommend seeking expert professional advice from your local extension office for specific information and assistance.
Please be informed, this article serves as a general overview of the Bristle Fly, and the information presented is not a substitute for professional consultation.
Characteristics of Bristle Fly:
- Body covered with bristles
- Diverse colors and sizes
- Common in various habitats
Comparison | Bristle Fly | House Fly |
---|---|---|
Size | Varies | Less than 3/8 inch |
Habitat | Diverse | Human dwellings |
Life cycle | Variable | around 3 weeks |
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We hope this article serves as a helpful starting point for those interested in learning about Bristle Fly and the diverse natural world. Remember, registering and participating by adding comments is a great way to share your thoughts and experiences.
14 Comments. Leave new
The CSIRO’s giant tomes “The Insects of Australia” has a colour plate with one of these – but gives it as Formosia speciosa. Annoyingly, I can find no other mention of the species or genus online :/
Please send the link. A search of Formosia speciosa and CSIRO did not produce any hits. Perhaps the source material you cited was an actual printed volume.
d’oh – I shouldn’t have said “other mention online” should have I? Yes, it is actual printed media – a double volume of immense value to Australian entomologists
Thanks for the clarification.
Small correction – of course, the fly is NOT the size of a ‘human thumb’, it is about the size of a HUMAN THUMB NAIL. – typo … I was distracted by the mesmerizing painting on the fly’s backside 🙂
Marlies
Hi Marlies. I did correct it. Notice it is thumb[nail] in the posting.
They were confusing it with the Yellow-headed Snail Parasite Blowfly – Amenia imperialis
i have found one of these flies today in Mount Barker Western Australia
I have seen and photographed one of these flys today, 30/12/2017 at Eggs and Bacon Bay, Tasmania
In reply to bugman:
Reference to Formosia speciosa does indeed exist online. Formosia (Euamphibolia) speciosa, in one instance, and Google search for that reveals several more Australian sources. It may have once been treated as the same species, Idk, but is now classified as a different Genus to Amphibolia vidua. In some ways they look similar, but not the same.
General question;
Is it necessary subscribe in order to be able to post comments here?
No, but we update comments daily and our editorial staff approves all comments to ensure there is nothing inappropriate.
Thanks for your research regarding this posting.
I took some photos of one of these the other day in Margate Tas. Not heart shaped markings on the back though
Hi folks. I have just seen this same dude on my way back inside tonight. I’m in Montmorency, Victoria. It’s blue colouration of the dots caught my eye. I’ve never seen one here so had to try and identify it ….. curiosity and all that! Thanks for having this info. available so I could identify it.