7-8-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BRISTLE FLY (Genus Trigonospila)

The Bristle Fly (genus Trigonospila) belongs to the family Tachinidae, a group of true flies that are highly beneficial to agriculture and gardens. These striking flies act as natural pest controllers because their larvae are parasitoids that target and consume the caterpillars of various destructive moths and beetles.

Key Characteristics & Identification

Distinctive Appearance: They are relatively small flies easily recognized by their striking black bodies adorned with pearly white, silver, or golden transverse bands on the thorax and abdomen.

Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females look slightly different. Males generally feature an elongated, cone-shaped abdomen, while females have a distinctive downward-pointing, apically pointed abdomen.