These light-colored flies are approximately 3/8 inch (10 mm) in length. They are a tan to gold color overall. The thorax has some dull brown, lengthwise stripes and sparse black hairs. The abdomen has some light-colored fuzz. The head is also tan with red eyes and antennae, and a W-shaped, smooth, reddish area on top. The legs are brown to red. The wings are a clear, tawny color with dark patches over the crossveins. These flies were identified by volunteer experts at BugGuide.
These flies are common in spring and are especially noticeable in early April coming to sap on trees. The ones photographed here were feeding on sap on a grape vine. Adults also nectar on spring flowers.
Adults are also predators of other insects, especially blow flies. The larvae of many species feed on mammal droppings. Others are leaf miners or plant feeders. There are about 150 species of Dung Flies in North America.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.