Stiletto Flies

Ozodiceromyia notata Ozodiceromyia notata

What are they?

This is a group of relatively uncommon species, but they may sometimes be attracted to light after dark. Most species are grayish in color with narrow abdomens and somewhat resemble the robber flies. Adults mostly seem to feed at flowers during the summer months, while the larvae are predatory on soil-borne invertebrates.

Identification

A difficult group of rather similar flies. Some species cannot be identified in the field, and even identification to genus can be difficult with a hand lens and careful study of the legs, as well as the hairs on the body.



     Ozodiceromyia notata

A well-marked, grayish species which is one of the more frequently seen members of this family.
Ozodiceromyia notata Ozodiceromyia notata
Mating pair