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Insect Website Title

Diptera (Beneficial Predators):


Gall Gnat Larvae: Family Cecidomyiidae

Some species are aphid predators. The larvae look like syrphid larvae. 


Long-Legged Fly: Family Dolichopodidae Long-Legged Fly

Size is about 1/4" (6 mm) and they are metallic green, blue or copper colored. They are usually found near swamps and streams. Both adults and larvae are predaceous. 

 


Mydas Fly: Family Mydidae

Large fly about 1" (25 mm) long which are bare and black and some have yellow or orange segment. Antenna are long with 4 segments and with last segment somewhat swollen. Top of head is somewhat hollowed out between eyes. This is not a common fly. Adults are predaceous. Larvae occur in decaying wood or soil.


Robber Fly: Family Asilidae  Robber Fly

Size is about 3/4" (19 mm) long and they are mostly brown or grey but some are bright colored and mimic bumble bees. Some are long and slender. They have long, strong legs and the top of the head is hollowed out between the eyes. The face is usually hairy, the wings clear and the abdomen slender.

The adults are predaceous on a wide variety of insects and they usually capture the insect inflight. The larvae are found chiefly in the soil and prey on white grubs and other soil insects that attack crops. 


Syrphid Fly (Hover or Flower)Larvae: Family Syrphidae Syrphid FlySyrphid Fly Maggot

They are very common and the adults are found mostly hovering around flowers. Adults vary greatly in size (1/4" - 3/4" inch or 5 mm - 18 mm), color and appearance but generally are brightly colored with yellow, brown and black although some are uniformly brown or black. They have large eyes which appear to cover their head. Some are hairy and resemble bees. They do not bite or sting. The adults drink nectar. The larvae are predaceous on insects such as aphids except for the "Bulb Fly" which feeds on spring bulbs such as narcissus.


Last edited: 11/22/98 10:35 PM

 

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