Thread subject: Diptera.info :: tachinidae parasited?

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 09-08-2006 22:14
#1

Can Tachinidae have larvas in their body, i.e. are they parasited for other tachinidae or other insects? I tell this because today I saw a strange thing:

I saw two white spots that were attached in lateral body of tachinid, not so far of wings. They were below of the wings. it seems like a very tiny mealybugs, but less hairy.

thank you.

Posted by Tony Irwin on 10-08-2006 21:27
#2

Many flies pick up mites (Acarina) when they emerge from the puparium. Many mite species (and also pseudoscorpions) rely on attaching themselves to flies and other insects for dispersal. When they have flown some distance, they leave their host and start life in their new home. Most of them do not feed on the host, just use it for transport.
Many of the photos on this site show flies with bright red water-mite larvae attached, but the mites can also be pink, yellow or white.
If you can get a photograph of what you saw, we should be able to tell you what they were.

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 11-08-2006 20:04
#3

Tony Irwin wrote:
Many flies pick up mites (Acarina) when they emerge from the puparium. Many mite species (and also pseudoscorpions) rely on attaching themselves to flies and other insects for dispersal. When they have flown some distance, they leave their host and start life in their new home. Most of them do not feed on the host, just use it for transport.
Many of the photos on this site show flies with bright red water-mite larvae attached, but the mites can also be pink, yellow or white.
If you can get a photograph of what you saw, we should be able to tell you what they were.


Thank you for the info. I no have photo of that fly, but in next time I will try to get a good photo.