Cedar Creek
Natural History Area

Insects of Cedar Creek

Order DIPTERA

Family THEREVIDAE

(Stiletto Flies)

(Table of Species)

Stiletto Flies (105 NA spp) are routinely taken in modest numbers from a variety of fields in early summer. The long-legged, pointed abdomen adults do not take the sweeping kindly. Upon sorting most have lost limbs and antennae.

At least three species have been taken. The most common are are in the genera: Cyclotelus, Psilocephala, and Ozodiceromya. Hairy species of Tabuda and Thereva are more routinely found in woodland. Larvae of this family are probably ground predators/scavengers.

jhaar@lter.umn.edu Last updated May, 2000