This genus is monotypic in North America. I don't know if there are additional species elsewhere, and if so, if their behaviors are known. Most, if not all, flies of the Tephritoidea do some sort of wing displays, some very elaborate, thus you may hear another common name of "semaphore flies."

I don't know the meaning of the genus name. It was given by Hendel (as a new name for Loew's "Callopistria"), so maybe our German friends can provide some insight. Unfortunately, authors never seem to explain the origin of their genus names. The origin of specific names is required by some journals nowadays; "annulipes" may derive from the colored bands on the legs of this fly.

For pronunciation of Latin names, I follow my former botany taxonomy instructor who advised that they be said LOUDLY and AUTHORITATIVELY, as no one else knows either! In this particular case, I break it up into "Callo" (as in jello) - "pistro" (ditto)- "my-ee'-ya" (accent on middle "ee"). It does roll nicely off the tongue, doesn't it?!

This is Callopistromyia annulipes, an Otitid fly, sometimes called the "peacock fly" for the way it holds its wings straight up while it prances around. GJ Steck, Florida State Collection of Arthropods.

I photographed a similar fly last summer but the quality was so horrible I sent it to the Frass section. Eric Eaton identified it as a fruit fly, family Tephritidae.