Snipe Flies

Family Rhagionidae

Gold-backed snipe fly (Chrysopilus ornatus). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

The adults are common in moist shady places, and are often seen resting on leaves in woods. The larvae live in rotting wood or moist soil. The larvae and most adults are probably predaceous on small insects, but the feeding habits of most species of rhagionids are not well known. Some species feed on nectar and honeydew. A few species in western North America bite and can be pests. Rhagionidae are medium to large sized flies. They are usually gray or brownish but may be black with white, yellow or green spots. They have long legs and a long tapered abdomen and a large rounded head. They often have spotted wings. The body is either bare or covered with short hair.