Scientific name: Argyrophylax nigrotibialis (Baranov)
Common name: Tachinid fly
 Argyrophylax nigrotibialis (Baranov), a tachinid parasite of skipper larvae
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Taxonomy:
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Diptera |
| Family | Tachinidae |
Economic importance
Parasitoid.
Hosts
Skipper larvae.
Description
Argyrophylax nigrotibialis is a spiny fly that is slightly bigger than a housefly. It is gray or black. The head is generally dark to blackish red except for the silvery white tinge along the face. The thorax and abdomen are covered with many long hairs.
Biology and ecology
Argyrophylax nigrotibialis is found in wetland and dryland rice fields. Once the female locates a larval host, it lays 2 to 4 eggs on its body. Upon hatching, the maggot enters the host’s body to develop. Before pupation, the mature maggot produces a hard cocoon. Fresh cocoons are light yellow and turn dark red with age. Pupation takes about four days. Adult flies live for about 3 days. Mating occurs immediately after adult emergence.
Selected references
Barrion AT, Litsinger JA. 1994. Taxonomy of Rice Insect Pests and Their Arthropod Parasites and Predators. In: Biology and management of rice insects. Manila (Philippines): International Rice Research Institute. p 13- 362.
Shepard BM, Barrion AT, Litsinger JA. 1987. Helpful insects, spiders, and pathogens. Manila (Philippines): International Rice Research Institute. 127 p.