Tiptoeing Through the Lavender

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Ever seen a tachinid tiptoeing through the lavender?

The tachinids are parasitic flies that lay their eggs in hosts such as Lepidoptera (butterfly) caterpillars.

As larvae, they live in and kill their hosts.

As adults, they sip nectar and other plant juices.

That's why you'll see the adults tiptoeing through the lavender, sage and mints.

The scenario is unforgettable. The soft, silken flowers contrast sharply with the insect's long, hairy bristles.

But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as entomologists are fond of saying.

This one (below) was exploring a lavender in our yard last weekend.

If it were six-feet tall, it would probably scare little children.

Except for future entomologists!

Tachinid Fly

UP ON TOP--A tachinid rests on top of a lavender. This is a female of a Peleteria species, a common genus in southwestern United States. The genus is characterized by two prominent setae in front of the lower part of the eye.(Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Going Down

GOING DOWN--The tachinid heads down the lavender. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Going Around

GOING AROUND--The tachinid examines the other side of the lavender. Perhaps it's greener on the other side? (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Posted on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 6:06 PM

Comments: 2

Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey

Tags: lavender (10), tachinid fly. Peleteria species (1)

Comments:

wow, these are gorgeous photos!

Posted by Brenda Dawson on September 30, 2009 at 9:12 AM

Thanks!

Posted by Kathy Keatley Garvey on October 1, 2009 at 10:55 AM

Tiptoeing Through the Lavender

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