Microdon tristis  (Flower Fly)

© Bryan Kelly-McArthur (Photo ID #129938)

Photographer's Submitted Details

Photo Location	Moberly BC
Photographer	Bryan Kelly-McArthur
Habitat	ant nest in rotting wood
Photo Date	July 12, 2020
Upload Date	January 22, 2023
Elevation (m)	926
Latitude
Longitude
Photo ID #	129938
Comments	Adult fly of this sp lays eggs in specific ant species colony. Larvae exploit ant colony, feeding on ant eggs and larvae, depending on instar stage, before pupating thru to adult stage at which time they leave the colony. See ""Journal of the Entomological Society of BC Vol 118 Dec 2021 report by Dr R A Cannings - "Microdon tristis (Diptera, Syrphidae) notes on biology with a new ant host record from BC. 2021" "" (https://journal.entsocbc.ca/index.php/journal/article/view/2559) Image shows adult fly after leaving ant nest, having over wintered in nest. Adult fly of this sp does not feed, seeking only a mate.