This is one of the most economically important groups of flies in the world. Not only do most adults pollinate flowers, but all species are parasitoids and their larvae kill many species of potential pests. Bristle flies attack a wide range of other insects, from stink bugs to moths to beetles and other flies. There are 730 species in Canada and over 8,200 described species worldwide. They are common in all habitats and are conspicuous on garden flowers as well as on leaves in sunny patches in the forest. Their methods of getting eggs into their hosts are varied. Some flies lay eggs directly on their hosts, others inject eggs into the host’s body while others lay hundreds of tiny eggs that are eaten accidentally by plant-feeding hosts. Identification of tachinids to species is difficult and often requires the use of specialized keys. Even recognizing tachinids at the family level is tricky as many flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) and house flies (Muscidae – there are thousands of species in this group, not just the pest Musca domestica) look similar.