Error message
Unable to fetch location details at this time.
Tachinid Fly
Protodejeania sp.
31.6879, -110.865
Field Notes
Description:
The tachinid fly is identified by the hairs on its usually colorful abdomen. It seems to enjoy the drink I took with me on a hike -- some good old Green Machine Naked juice. :)
There were quite a few that I saw on that day (the last picture shows another one, covered with what looks like pollen), and all were about 3 centimeters in length. Hard to find any information on them, but this article was useful (http://greennature.com/gallery/flying-insect-pictures/tachinid.html) ; it describes how the insect uses parasitism which is actually beneficial as they naturally destroy pests such as gypsy moth infestations in a forest.
Habitat:
They're usually on the hunt for many sorts of flowers, with this one being an exception. They were found along the Old Baldy trail that takes you to Mt. Wrightson, a high peak that is reached through Madera Canyon, all in the state of Arizona. The elevation was about 8,000 feet from the ground. From an article, I am informed that they are native to Mexico and the US, specifically California and Arizona.
Notes:
In the second image, it appears to be reading the text before drinking the juice that's collected on the outside of the bottle. Picky fly!
Comments (5)