WiseAcre Gardens

‘Stupid fly’ is probably a phrase that has slipped through nearly everyone’s lips at one time or another. I know I’ve used it countless times after being pestered by one. My wife, kids and friends have all been heard saying it. So here’s one that won’t have you thinking either ‘stupid’ or ‘fly’. If ‘stinging’ or ‘wasp’ are the first things that come to mind when seeing it I wouldn’t be surprised. That was my first impression when I saw it.

Family Conopidae – Thick-headed Flies

These flies look like small thread-waisted wasps. But if you look close before running away you’ll see something that the wasps don’t have. Thick headed flies have a proboscis worthy of sticking into any flower’s business end. So the best chance of finding this fly is to take the time and go smell the flowers. You might just catch one feeding on nectar.

There is no reason to be afraid of these flies unless you happen to host a birthday party for their young. Female flies in the genus Physoconops lay their eggs on host species while in flight. When the eggs hatch the larvae bore into the host then eat their way back out. I guess that’s why they’re considered internal parasites of bumblebees and wasps.