Names and Taxonomy
- Common Names: Bristly Flower Fly, Tachinid Fly
- Synonyms: Jurinea myrrhea, Jurinia adusta
- Order: Diptera (Flies)
- Family: Tachinidae (Tachinid Flies)
- Genus Information: 1 species in NV, 3 in CA, 5 in US
Juriniopsis adusta
Bristly Flower Fly
Introduction:
It is known for its larvae developing inside caterpillars and beetle larvae, making it a natural pest controller. These flies are also important pollinators, feeding on nectar from flowers like Rudbeckia laciniata. They have a hairy, spiky appearance, and can be red, black, brown, or orange, often with a pale green face.
Life Cycle: The larvae are endoparasites, meaning they develop inside their host. Juriniopsis adusta plays a crucial role in controlling pest populations, particularly agricultural pests, by parasitizing caterpillars and beetle larvae.
Size 0.35-0.6 inch (9-15 mm)
Sexual Dimorphism: false
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)
