SNAIL KILLING FLY

SNAIL KILLING FLY

Sepedon sp.
MARSH FLY FAMILY (Sciomyzidae)

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This fly is 1/4 -1/2 inch (6-13 mm) in length. The head is orange with protuberant mouth parts and antennae that extend forward and upward. The eyes are large and orange with red and tan streaks. The top of the thorax is light brown – orange and the abdomen is a tan color. The wings are brown and long, extending well beyond the end of the abdomen.

 

The frequency of occurrence is unknown at this time except that it is found more commonly in June.

 

There are 191 species and 21 genera of Marsh Flies in North America. The adults drink dew, nectar and tree sap. It has been mentioned that walking backwards is a characteristic of the these flies. The female lays eggs on snails, slugs and other fresh water mullusks. The larvae feed on snails, slugs and snail eggs.

 

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