Virtual Exhibit on Canada's Biodiversity





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Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: nectar and pollen feeding
Immatures: predaceous

Size: 2 to 12 mm
Flight : strong flier

North American
Species: 177

Diptera Sciomyzidae
Marsh flies and snail flies

Front Wings: membranous
Hind Wings: reduced to halteres
Mouthparts: sponging
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified

Special Characteristics: Sciomyzidae are small to medium sized flies, usually yellowish or brownish and often with patterned wings. The legs are elongated and the antennae are often longer than in similar flies.

Comments: The adults are common around ponds, streams, marshes and damp woods. The larvae are predaceous and usually feed on snails, slugs and also snails eggs.

Species:
Dictya sp.

Common Name:

Feeding Habits: The larvae of Dictya are predators of freshwater snails.

Distribution:

Comments:
Species of Dictya are often very common flies on vegetation along streams and ponds.