Tachinid Fly (Archytas sp.)

Tachinid Fly (Archytas sp.)

Spiky long before being punk became cool. Genus presumably named after the Greek philosopher and mathematician Archytas.

I couldn't find any information specific to this genus, but in general, BugGuide says:

Tachinid fly larval stages are parasitoids of other insects. Some tachinids are very specific and others can parasitize a wide variety of hosts. The most common hosts are caterpillars. Most tachinids deposit their eggs directly on the body of their host, and it is not uncommon to see caterpillars with several tachinid eggs on them. Upon hatching the larva usually burrows into its host and feeds internally. When fully developed it leaves the host and pupates nearby. Some tachinids lay their eggs on foliage; the larvae are flattened and are called planidia; they remain on the foliage until they find a suitable host.

Thanks to Kenneth Harrelson on BugGuide for the ID.

Tachinid Fly (Archytas sp.)