Insect · GBIF taxon 1476105
Swift Feather-legged Fly
Trichopoda pennipesAlso known as Feather-legged Fly, Squash Bug Parasite Fly
Swift Feather-legged Flies are distinctive tachinids recognizable by the dense fringe of black feather-like setae on their hind legs and their bright orange abdomen. Adults spend their short lives visiting open flowers for nectar while hunting stink bugs and squash bugs on which to deposit their small white eggs. Upon hatching, the larvae bore inside the host insect, making this species an invaluable ally for natural agricultural pest control.
ParasitoidPollinatorFeathery Legs
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Squash Bug
- Southern Green Stink Bug
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Predators
- Spiders
- Birds
- Praying Mantises
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticide applications targeting garden pests
HabitatsGardens, agricultural fields, meadows, and sunny clearings
Life span2–3 weeks (adult stage)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTachinidae
- SpeciesTrichopoda pennipes
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; safe to observe closely while visiting flowers.
Responsible observation
- Garden Presence: Look for adults hovering around squash plants or visiting carrot family blooms.
- Field Identification: Watch for the thick brush of black hairs lining the hind legs during flight.
- Pest Management: Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides to encourage these natural pest controllers.
Primary Host (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz · cc-by
Host Insect (c) Juan Emilio, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Nectar Source (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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