 | Marsh Flies - Family Sciomyzidae These charming little flies are sometimes called "snail-killers" because their eggs are laid on, and the larvae parasitize snails, slugs, other mollusks, and crustaceans. Flies Main | Flies Index | Tachinidae | Syrphidae | Bee Flies | Blow Flies | Flesh Flies |
That's a dead crayfish that had been roasted in a prairie fire, in case you were wondering
Marsh flies are generally slender, yellowish or brownish, 1/4 - 1/2" long. They have fairly prominent eyes, prominent forward-pointing antennae, and bristles on the femora (upper hind leg). The wings are mottled with various light brown markings according to species. Marsh flies are common along the edges of ponds and rivers, and in marshy areas where the larvae prey on or become parasites of slugs & snails. Habitat: Near ponds, streams, marshes. Range: Throughout North America. Food: Adults drink dew, nectar, and tree sap. |
Very early spring marsh fly at West Chicago Prairie, DuPage County, Illinois
 Marsh Fly, Tetanocera sp.
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Flies of North America - Order Diptera. Flies are prevalent in virtually all habitats, with over 16,000 species in North America. Flies can be distinguished from all other insects in that they only have one pair of normal wings. The other pair has evolved into small ball-like structures called halteres, thought to be used as stabilizing organs during flight. Most flies have compound eyes and mouthparts adapted for piercing, lapping or sucking fluids. Insects & Spiders | Flies Index | Syrphidae | Bee Flies | Robber Flies |
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