This Trichopoda fly is approximately 1/2 inch (13 mm) long with a 3/4 inch (20) wingspan. The eyes are large and dark brown. The thorax is black with white markings on the front. The first 2 abdominal segments have some dark red coloration. The rest of the abdomen is black. The wings are dark brown with light fringes. The legs are black with a fringe on the hind leg that resembles a bee’s pollen basket.
The frequency of occurrence of this fly is unknown. The individual shown here was photographed at Camp Brewster, Fontenelle Forest in late September.
There are 6 species in the genus Trichopoda. The female lays an egg on top of the host where it cannot be wiped off by self-grooming. The larvae are endoparasites of leaf-footed bugs, squash bugs and stink bugs. Mature larvae leave the host to pupate in the soil.
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