March Flies
What are they?
A small family of rather odd-looking flies, thanks to the strangely tiny heads that are most noticeable in the females - males differ in having much larger eyes than the females. Adults appear on the wing early in the season (resulting in the name of March flies) and can be very abundant in some wetland areas. Some species are also known as 'love bugs' as males and females remain in tandem for prolonged periods. Larvae are maggot-like and some species are considered pests of root crops. Some species have a second generation in the fall, when adults can often be seen feeding at goldenrod flowers.
Identification
Most species are black, or black and reddish in color and some species cannot be identified without the aid of magnifying equipment. It is possible to identify some species by careful attention to the amount and distribution of red coloration on the body and legs.
Dilophus spinipes
A common species which is especially noticeable in the fall when large numbers can sometimes be found feeding at goldenrod flowers. Very similar to the famous 'love bug' (Plecia nearctica) but with the reddish color of the thorax extending onto the legs.
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Bibio femoratus
A common species in the spring. All black, but for dark, reddish coloration on the upper part of the legs.
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Bibio sp.
A number of all-black species of March flies, in the genus Bibio may be found during the spring and early summer months. Without very close inspection and even dissection, it is not possible to identify these to the species level.
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