A bee-mimicking Robber Fly and buddies.
Another interesting Fly I saw in the orange grooves at school. This one is a type of Fruit Fly called a Picture Winged Fly because most sp. have interesting patterns on their wings.
These Long Legged Flies are pretty as far as flies go. This one may be a Dolichopidae sp. They come in blue, gold or green and dart among the leaves- making them difficult to photograph.
This really cool looking fly was hanging out on my car today. I had to go to Genetics class so I grabbed one of my bug-catching-containers that was in my purse and snatched it up to take photos of it while I am on break. I was laughing to myself- because I found it funny that I had a captive bug in my purse all through class. I think it’s a Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata). According to my Kaufman guide- it’s a scourge of citrus growers, everywhere, especially in California (where I am). Shame, it is a looker, as far as flies go.
This chubby little fly sat on my finger. I don’t know what it is… maybe a type of fruit fly or a flower fly… it looks like it could be a little bee mimic but it’s so teeny!
A little help.
“Hi Bug Girl, I was wondering if you could help me ID this little guy. It was photographed in Melbourne, Australia. I think it might be a Bibionidae sp, but I’m unsure. Any help will be greatly appreciated!”
Hi Brock! I wish I could help but most Diptera are way beyond my amateur bug identifying capabilities…especially, Australian Diptera! Perhaps, someone else will be able to help! Beautiful photo and blog.
“Tachinid Flies. Although they look similar to house flies, tachinid flies are very important enemies of cutworms, armyworms, tent caterpillars, cabbage loopers, gypsy moths, sawflies, Japanese beetles, squash bugs, and sowbugs. Grow pollen and nectar plants to attract them.”
Another beneficial little ugly fly!
Ask before you smush!
