Phasia hemiptera

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Length 6 to 12 mm

DescriptionA distinctive Tachinid Fly which is is strongly sexually dimorphic + Male / Female Differences

Females have noticeable orange hair patches on the sides of the thorax (Seen Below) , and the abdomen shows some subdued orange marking.

Males are even more colourful with curved patterned wings.

Phenology Flying early May to early August

Life Cycle

It is a parasite of Heteropteran bugs, known hosts includieGreen / Birch Shieldbug in Autumn Spring and Forest Bug. toward Spring Females lay eggs on heteroptera and the larvae then develop inside the living host. The eggs are often seen as circular white discs attached

Habitat Various habitats, usually well wooded areas or Woodland margins , hedgerows etc.