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Photo#99071
fly - Gonia - female

fly - Gonia - Female
Deep Fork Wildlife Refuge, Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, USA
March 22, 2007

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fly - Gonia - female fly - Gonia - female

Gonia
This is a Tachinid in the genus Gonia. I have taken several of these in early spring. There are almost 30 species in the genera in the US but several of these are only found west of OK. This genus deposits its eggs on plants and then the eggs (tough skinned apparently) are ingested by caterpillars who are subsequently doomed. That wide creamy golden face is characteristic.

 
Gonia
Thanks Herschel, it is nice to have an expert so close to home.

 
O'Hara and Wood
Are the experts. But I was frsutrated by the lack of info out there on Tachs so I am taking them on, at least in our area. It is the first family that the local museum even lacks much useful info on though they do have quite a few genera represented. I am keeping my own collection for now.

I hope to make it into OK several times this summer for robber flies. Keep shooting the flies and wasps.

 
Taking on the Tachs? That's great news!
I share some of your frustration, but lack your commitment and expertise. Good going, Herschel. I'll keep shooting, too. And heavy on the flies.

 
I'm afraid
I won't be much help in Orange county CA.

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