Diptera (Beneficial Predators):
Gall Gnat Larvae:
Family Cecidomyiidae
Some species are aphid predators. The larvae look like syrphid larvae.
Long-Legged Fly:
Family Dolichopodidae 
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 
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  
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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