Snipe Flies
What are they?
In our region, this is a relatively small group of often shy and retiring flies. Adults are most often found resting head down in low vegetation in woodland clearings and track sides. Both adults and larvae feed on other insects.
Identification
This is a small group of flies which can generally be identified to species by differences in the wing and body markings. The eyes of males are larger than those of the females and meet on the top of the head. Most species have wings that are all dark or which have blackish markings.
Golden-backed Snipe Fly Chrysopilus thoracicus
A common species of wet grassland near water. Easily identified by the golden-brown back.
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Common Snipe Fly Rhagio mystaceus
A common but rather plain and thus easily overlooked species. Note the wing pattern which is distinctive.
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