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Photo#185984
Brownish fly

Brownish fly
14.1 km S of Lytton, on Hwy. 1, Thompson-Nicola, British Columbia, Canada
May 10, 2008
One of the few flies attracted to light. I never saw them before.

Pyrgotidae!
How exciting, a pyrgotid fly! They are attracted to lights, perhaps, because they are parasitic on adult May beetles (Scarabaeidae: Phyllophaga spp.). From what I understand, they molest the beetles in mid-air, and the female forces an egg between the victim's abdominal segments. The larva that hatches then feeds internally. I did not know this family occured in your area, but here is proof positive! Very nice image.

 
Interesting
Eric, thanks for your comments and appreciation. I'm glad i could confirm the existence of a very interesting fly family in BC. Indeed, i had May beetles coming to my lights as well that particular night. I had no idea the flies were out to get them.

 
You're welcome.
This is a great image, too!

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