In Canada, the Dune Tachinid Fly is restricted to a few active dunes in southwestern Yukon. It is presumed to be a parasite of the larva of a dune moth. This fly is just one of a group of species that are found only in these dunes at the edge of unglaciated Beringia—others include the Baikal Sedge, a small gelechiid moth, a stiletto fly, and other tachinid flies.
The Dune Tachinid Fly is a black, bristly, medium-sized fly (about 9 mm long). The second segment of the antennal branch (arista) has a distinctive elbowed appearance.
Active or semi-stabilized dunes or smaller sand blowouts with scattered grasses, sedges, and other vegetation. In Yukon, the habitat always includes some grass or grasses.
At the Carcross dunes, increasing recreational all-terrain vehicle use has caused a decline in habitat by eliminating grasses in heavy use areas. The Carcross Dune habitat is also threatened by residential housing and road developments. A potential, but significant threat is invasive species that have the ability to quickly stabilize dunes— for example, Altai Wild Rye and White Sweet-clover. Natural succession will probably continue to eliminate more open dune area, especially at the large Alsek dunes in Kluane National Park Reserve.
All tachinid fly larvae are parasitic on other insects, usually moth caterpillars. The fly family name Tachinidae comes from the Greek tachys, meaning “fast,” a reference to the speedy flight of these flies.
Animal | Insect |
---|---|
Insect | Flies (Diptera) |
Color | black |