Insect · GBIF taxon 1461586
Archytas metallicus
Archytas metallicusAlso known as Metallic Bristle Fly, Metallic Tachinid Fly
Archytas metallicus is a stout bristle fly with a striking dark metallic abdomen and dense, stiff bristles covering its hind body. Adults spend warm sunny days visiting open flowers to feed on nectar, serving as effective wild pollinators. Females track down host caterpillars in fields and gardens, depositing young larvae that act as natural controllers of pest populations.
PollinatorParasitoidMetallic
1 / 3—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flower nectar
- Plant honeydew
- Armyworm caterpillars
Predators
- Jumping spiders
- Robber flies
- Insectivorous birds
ThreatsWidespread chemical insecticide spraying and habitat degradation.
HabitatsMeadows, agricultural field edges, gardens, and sunny woodland clearings.
Life span1 to 2 months as adults.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderDiptera
- FamilyTachinidae
- GenusArchytas
- SpeciesArchytas metallicus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look for adults basking on sunny composite flowers such as goldenrod during late summer.
- Gardening: Plant diverse native wildflowers to provide nectar sources that support these beneficial flies.
Larval Host (c) Peter Waycik, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Peter Waycik · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Family Member (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Judy Gallagher · cc-by-sa
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