This fly is approximately 1/2 inch (13 mm) in length. It is a gray color with bold, black bands on the abdomen. There are long black bristles on the thorax and the end of the abdomen. The wings are a clear tannish color, and the small eyes are bright red. This tachinid was identified by volunteer experts at BugGuide.
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There are over 1,300 species in 300 genera of Tachinid Flies in North America. The larvae are parasitoids of other insects, but especially of caterpillars. Many females deposit eggs directly on the body of the host. Upon hatching, the larva usually burrows into the host and feeds internally. When mature, it leaves its host and pupates nearby.