The tachinids are flies belonging to a family known scientifically as Tachinidae, which consists of over 8,200 species. About 1,600 of these are found in the Palearctic region, which is the faunistic region in which we live. Just over 40 species have been recorded in the Maltese islands.

The first list of Maltese tachinids can be found in a book on Italian flies written in 1859 by Italian entomologist Camillo Róndani.

The author recorded 19 species of tachinid flies from the Maltese islands. At the time, Italian naturalists included the Maltese islands as part of the Italian territory and listed species of Maltese plants and animals as part of Italy’s flora and fauna.

Of the recorded 19 species of tachinid flies, six are no longer found in the Maltese islands

Of the recorded 19 species, six are no longer found in the Maltese islands. Their disappearance could be due to natural causes but it is likely that it is a result of human activity such as the degradation and destruction of the Maltese countryside. Biodiversity is also reduced by the use of pesticides as well as the burning of vegetation during the summer months.

Fischeria bicolour, the species in the photo, is a member of the tachinid family. It does not have a common name and is often overlooked by non-naturalists. It is normally seen on vertical rock faces and walls. The larvae of all known tachinids are parasitoids, which live mainly in other insects especially on bees, wasps and ants, eventually killing their host.

Tachinids play a major role in the natural control of other species, including pests. In fact, some species are used in biological pest control and many species from around the world have been introduced in North America to control pests.

As adults, tachinid flies are not parasitic. During the adult stage, many species do not feed at all but some visit flowers in search of pollen and nectar, while others feed on decaying matter.

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