Numbers
9 species in 3 genera in North America (
nearctica.com)
more than 50 species in 15 genera worldwide
Identification
wings usually conspicuously longer than the abdomen and with dark markings; proboscis short and thick; ovipositor with a non-retractile sheath
Range
throughout North America
also occurs in Eurasia, temperate regions of the southern hemisphere, and the neotropics
Habitat
adults found on flowers and low-hanging branches in shady habitats
larvae found under bark, and in flower buds and stems
Season
BugGuide records for adults in July through October
Food
larvae either eat plants, are saprophagous, or are predaceous on beetle larvae in the families Cerambycidae and Curculionidae (subfamily Scolytinae)
Internet References
distribution, numbers, common name reference [Flutter-wing Flies], habitat, and food (Bishop Museum, Hawaii)
common name reference [Pictured-wing Flies], detailed description, classification, and adult illustrations (L. Watson and M.J. Dallwitz, British Insects: the Families of Diptera)
