COPECRYPTA RUFICAUDA

COPECRYPTA RUFICAUDA

Copecrypta ruficauda
TACHINID FLY FAMILY (Tachinidae)

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This small fly is 3/8 inch (10 mm) in length. It has an overall blue metallic color. The antennae are large and spatulate. The eyes are red. The thorax is blue with black stripes. The abdomen is blue except for the end which is red. There are black bristles on the head, thorax and abdomen. The legs are black and also have black bristles. The wings are smoky gray.

 

The frequency of occurrence of this Tachinid fly is not known. A single individual was photographed in late August at Camp Brewster in Fontenelle Forest. Look for them nectaring on flowers.

 

The larva develops as a parasitoid of cutworm larvae and pupae. Ruficauda is the only species in the genus Copecrypta.

 

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