Marsh Flies - Diptera Family Sciomyzidae
These charming little flies are sometimes called "snail-killers" because their eggs are laid on, and the larvae parasitize snails, slugs, and other mollusks.
Live adult marsh flies photographed in the wild at Winfield, Illinois, USA.
Tetanocera sp. / Sepedon sp.


Marsh Fly, Tetanocera sp.

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 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. These specimens were photographed in a forest clearing at least 200 yards from the nearest water.
Range: Throughout North America.
Food: Adults drink dew, nectar, and tree sap. Larvae prey on slugs and freshwater snails.

 


Marsh Fly, Sepedon species


 

 
 

  

              
 
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