Moved from Micropeza.

This keys to genus Micropeza (from bases of antennae proximate, and the "extensor" hairs on the posterior edge of the hind tibiae), and to species M. stigmatica (from the lack of substantial black on the thorax and head, the pale antennae and arista, and the disto-median and sub-apical black bands on the femora) in the 1972 reference entitled "The Micropezidae of California" by Merritt & James(1).

Despite the title of that work, the authors indicated in their first paragraph(1) that the treatment covered all nearctic taxa known to occur west of the Rocky Mountains...which almost includes Texas. They did list Texas within the range of M. stigmatica.

As a double check, I ran this through Cresson (1938)...which treated Micropezidae north of Mexico...and arrived at Neriocephalus stigmaticus (a synonym for Micropeza stigmatica). The images here are in excellent ageement with Cresson's description there. Moreover, Cresson gives a collection record of 3 males and 8 females from Hidalgo, Hidalgo Co., TX on 7/28/30.

Regarding M. stigmatica, Merritt & James(1) comment that:

"This species differs from all Micropeza in having two distinct black rings on each femur, one disto-median and one sub-apical. The characteristic brown markings of the thorax (fig. 39) and the shape of the claspers (fig.40) will also aid in identification."

Comparing these photos with Fig. 39 of Merritt & James(1), the match of the pattern on the dorsum of the thorax is good...especially considering Cresson's remarks (see middle of 2nd paragraph here) on the variability of the markings (i.e. stripes sometimes "obliterated" or merged).

Moved from Stilt-legged Flies.

Moved from ID Request. We have an expert on the family so further ID should be possible. I think it's a Micropeza.

Would be my guess. Sure is an odd looking fly.

Very nice images of a fly in the family Micropezidae.