BRACHYOPA FLOWER FLY
Brachyopa vacua
FLOWER FLY FAMILY (Syrphidae)
A small fly approximately 3/8 inch (10 mm) in length. It has a brown thorax with some dark streaking. The wings are light brown and are folded over the gray abdomen at rest. The legs are light gray. The eyes are reddish brown. This fly was identified by volunteer experts on Bug Guide.
These uncommon flies are believed to be present in the adult stage for a short period in the spring.
The larvae are known to live in sap exuding from trees. Eggs are laid in spring by the adult flies and the larvae pass the summer feeding on the sap. The larvae hibernate in autumn. Pupation takes place the next spring and the adult emerges to begin the cycle anew. Adult flies are known to feed on sap from trees.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.