SAWFLY MIMIC FLY

SAWFLY MIMIC FLY

Xylomya tenthredinoides
XYLOMYID FLIES (Xylomyidae)

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A black and yellow fly, approximately 3/4 inch (20 mm) long. It is a mimic of Sawflies (See Sawflies/Horntail Wasps). It has a black and yellow thorax, yellow legs marked with black, a reddish abdomen.

 

This fly is thought to be uncommon in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods. Although the adult flies are rarely seen the larvae are common under the bark of recently fallen trees where they feed on other insects.

 

Xylomyid flies are found worldwide. There are eleven species in two genera in North America. They can be found on foliage along the edge of the forest. Larvae are predaceous on other insects or eat decaying organic matter.

 

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