Fly? Bee-Fly? Or Something Else?

[earthdragon64]

Hubby and I were walking near Lochindorb this afternoon, the weather was glorious, brilliant sunshine with just enough of a cool breeze to keep it bearable. We saw loads of birds and butterflies and bees, but this one has us a bit puzzled. It isn't in my "Complete British Insects" book, but to be honest, it isn't really that "complete".

It almost looks like a bee, but not quite, and doesn't quite look like a Bee-fly either. It was on some Bell Heather - Erica cinerea, any id help will be gratefully received.

[James M]

Looks similar to Tachina grossa a parasitic fly? but not very good on flies.

[JRsbugs]

Originally Posted by James M

Looks similar to Tachina grossa a parasitic fly? but not very good on flies.

Well you got that one James! I haven't seen one of those, I do get Tachina fera though.

Janet

[James M]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

Well you got that one James! I haven't seen one of those, I do get Tachina fera though.

Janet

Wooh! that's a rare occurence for me . I haven't seen one either but they have been seen not far from here apparently.

[earthdragon64]

Thanks for that, do either of you know what it is parasitic on?

[James M]

I think the main hosts are lepidoptera caterpillars, I read that the Oak Eggar and fox moths are "favourites", but I'm sure Janet will correct me if I'm wrong.

[JRsbugs]

Originally Posted by James M

I think the main hosts are lepidoptera caterpillars, I read that the Oak Eggar and fox moths are "favourites", but I'm sure Janet will correct me if I'm wrong.

Straight from tachinidae.org site:

The hosts are large hairy caterpillars (like Eggar moths) and so they favour heaths and ancient woodland.

I should have them then! There's a lot of old woodland around me.

[earthdragon64]

Thanks again, I saw it in moorland habitat where I'd expect to see Northern Eggar caterpillars, the north Scotland sub species of the Oak Eggar.