This small fly is approximately 3/8 inch (10 mm) in length. It has large red eyes. The thorax is red to tan with 2 black lines down the mid-section. The abdomen is mostly reddish-brown with tan banding posteriorly. There is a black median stripe through the middle of the abdomen. The legs are black. The halteres are a tan color and are unusually large.
This fly is probably common on flowers in open fields and woodland. The individuals shown here were photographed in the planted prairie by the Great Marsh In Fontenelle Forest in early August and in Child’s Hollow in early June.
The genus Gymnoclytia is in the subfamily Phasiinae. The flies in this genus lack the spiky hair on the abdomen and thorax found on most other Tachinid flies. The larvae develop as parasitoids of stink bugs, shield bugs and some beetles.
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.