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Photo#66470
Two Tachinid Flies, Eggs and a Cecropia Larva
Copyright © 2006 Pete Ganzel

Two Tachinid Flies, Eggs and a Cecropia Larva
New Scandia Township, Washington County, Minnesota, USA
July 24, 2006
Size: 1/4" Flies
This poor Cecropia larva was pestered by several flies that placed dozens of white eggs on it's body.
The ovipositor appears to have a hook that pierces the caterpillar skin and leaves a necrotic spot where the egg is attached. Gallery of images;

http://www.pbase.com/pganzel/doomed_cecropia

No, this one did not turn into an adult, never made it out of the larval stage.

Images of this individual: tag all
Two Tachinid Flies, Eggs and a Cecropia Larva Tachinid Parisitoid on Cecropia Larva
Contributed by Pete Ganzel on 24 July, 2006 - 9:51pm
Last updated 14 April, 2009 - 4:39pm

Moved
Moved from Tachinidae.
… v belov, 14 April, 2009 - 4:39pm

Great catch
A cropped and enlarged image of the fly laying eggs would be very valuable if you can do it.
… Beatriz Moisset, 19 September, 2006 - 8:40am

Excellent behavior shots!
I linked them for you, since they're obviously the same caterpillar and probably one of the flies is the same. In case you don't know how to do it, the easiest way is to click "add image" on the first image in order to upload the second image. Not only will the second image be linked to the first, but the system will copy much of the information from the first image so you won't have to fill in as much.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, these two are an encyclopedia!
… Chuck Entz, 24 July, 2006 - 11:56pm

Tach attack
Certainly one of the best shots this month.
… Herschel Raney, 24 July, 2006 - 9:53pm

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