A small fly about 3/8 inch long (9 mm) with dark eyes, dark brown thorax and short, tan abdomen. It has large, distinctively marked wings. There is a strong “S” shaped mark near the tip of the wing which is diagnostic. To see a diagram of the wing venation click here . This fly was identified by experts at BugGuide.
This fly can be seen July through September in this area. It is widespread throughout North America and south in Mexico and Central America.
This fly is a parasitoid of antlion larvae and/or antlion pupae. Early observers suggested it was a parasitoid of the larvae but more recent observations suggest it is a parasitoid of the pupal stage of antlions (Myrmeleontidae).
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