XYLOPHAGUS REFLECTENS

XYLOPHAGUS REFLECTENS

Xylophagus reflectens
XYLOPHAGID FLY FAMILY (Xylophagidae)

Click on each photo thumbnail to enlarge.

This fly is approximately 5/8 inch (15 mm) in length. The thorax and abdomen are black. The abdomen is long and tapered at the end. The wings are clear and do not reach the end of the abdomen. The eyes are dark red to brown. The antennae are black, and the 3rd segments are elongated. The legs are mostly orange. This fly was identified by volunteer experts on the BugGuide website.

 

The occurrence of this fly is not known in Fontenelle Forest except for a single sighting in late April. However, they should be present from spring through summer.

 

This uncommon fly is a wasp mimic, particularly resembling Ichneumon wasps. The larva of this fly is probably very similar to the larva shown in photos 2 and 3. This larva was found under the bark of a fallen tree.

 

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