Life In A French meadow
Nature photography in rural France
I am very lucky to live in a beautiful region of France, the Haute Vienne, having escaped from the UK along with my wife several years ago. Along with the house we own about 1Ha of land which I regard as my personal nature reserve and photographic studio.
Photography has been my passion for over 50yrs and nature photography combines it with my other lifelong passion wildlife. On this blog I hope to share these passions and also explain techniques, experiences and also discuss the subjects of my photographs, I am as interested in their Biology and Ecology as I am in photographing them.
Gary
Parasitic flies
Tachina fera (commonly known as the common tachinid fly) is a large, distinctive species of parasitic fly. It belongs to the family Tachinidae within the order Diptera (true flies).
Tachina is a genus of large flies in the family Tachinidae. There are approximately 600 species worldwide. Most have larvae that are parasitoids of lepidopteran caterpillars.
Tachina fera is a fascinating dipteran whose larval stage plays a parasitic role, typically infesting caterpillars. As an adult, it exhibits a distinctive hairy appearance with patterns that enable it to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Renowned for its contribution to controlling pest populations, this species showcases the intricate balance of symbiosis and predation within its ecosystem.
The body is heavily covered in stiff, prominent black bristles (bristle-backed), especially near the tip of the abdomen. The bristles act primarily as mechanosensory organs called bristle sensilla. Each bristle connects to a sensory neuron that detects physical deflection when touched by air currents, dirt, or objects, helping the fly monitor its environment, coordinate posture, and trigger reflexive behaviors like grooming.
Thanks to Wikipedia for the additional information, Diptera are not my specality.