Colourful fly from the French Alps

I have no idea what species of fly this is. I was simply intrigued by its colours and the funny-looking protrusions on its head. The picture is from a hike in the French Alps south of Barcelonette.

comments (3)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

The spikes on its rear suggests its a bristle fly (Family Tachinidae). Note sure which exact species though. Posted 2 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  It might be Tachina fera, but I'm not 100% sure. Posted 2 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Thank you. That looks convincing, let's go with it tentatively. Posted 2 years ago

The Tachina fera

"Tachina fera" is a species of fly in the genus "Tachina" of the family Tachinidae. It is found across Europe as far north as Scandinavia. Its larvae are parasitoids of the caterpillars of moths in the family Noctuidae; afflicted species include the Broom Moth "Ceramica pisi", the Dun-Bar "Cosmia trapezina", Small Quaker "Orthosia cruda" and Common Quaker "Orthosia cerasi".

Info 15 1

Similar species: True Flies

Species identified by Ferdy Christant