Anthomyiid Flies or Root-Maggot Flies

Family Anthomyiidae

Spilogaster signia. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

The larvae of anthomyiids are mostly phytophagous (plant-eating), but some are saprophagous (eat dead and decaying organic material) and a few are parasites of grasshoppers. Adults feed on nectar and are important plant pollinators. The anthomyiidae are small to medium sized flies, usually yellow, brown, gray or blackish. They have a well developed calypter at the base of each wing, and resemble muscid flies but are more slender. The wings are sometimes clouded with gray or brown. The legs are yellowish to black.