Flies

Cranefly
Category: Fly
Though they look like giant mosquitoes, they are not mosquitoes. Craneflies do not bite and they do not have a long proboscis (snout). Females may have a long ovipositor, resembling a needle-like stinger, but it is used to deposit eggs in moist soil.... READ MORE

Flower Fly
Category: Fly
This fly looks like a bee or wasp, taking full advantage of mimicry. The coloration wards off would-be predators. Upon close examination, one can see there is no stinger at the tip of the abdomen. This species feeds on aphids (tiny insects that ... READ MORE

Hover Fly
Category: Fly
Although it looks like a wasp or bee, this species of fly cannot bite or sting. Larvae feed on aphids (smaller insects that eat plants) and pupate in soil. Adults emerge in the summer and drink flower nectar. They are often seen 'hovering' ove... READ MORE

Mydas Fly
Category: Fly
This family of flies comprises some of the largest flies in North America. They can get as long as 60mm (2 inches). They are harmless despite sometimes being mistaken for wasps. Larvae can be found in forests near rotting and dead wood. Adults ... READ MORE

Robber Fly
Category: Fly
Robber flies eat biting flies and other flying insects. They chase them in flight, overtake them and suck out the victim's insides after stopping on a branch or leaf. They make a loud whirring noise as they fly because they beat their wings so ... READ MORE

Small House Fly
Category: Fly
Though half the size and thinner than the normal House Fly (Musca domestica), the Small House Fly shares similar traits. Males form swarms in the summer. Females lay their eggs in animal/human feces or on dead and decaying animal tissue. For thi... READ MORE

Snow Mosquito
Category: Fly
The Snow Mosquito is a special breed of mosquito commonly limited to northern portions of the United States. The Snow Mosquito differs from regular summertime mosquitoes in ways that include staying active during the winter months when their counterp... READ MORE

Tachinid Fly
Category: Fly
Tachinid flies are lethal predators to the insects they feed on. Most feed on the caterpillars of moths. Because of their diet, some Tachinid Flies have been deliberately imported from other areas to control destructive moth populations. Prey may... READ MORE