Root Maggot Fly - Family Anthomyiidae

Root Maggot Fly - Family Anthomyiidae / Crocus Flowers
The family name comes from the Greek "anthos" (flower) + "myia" (fly). Adult flies in this family feed on nectar and pollen, and larvae (maggots) feed on flower roots, or decaying organic matter. A few species' larvae are parasitic on other insects.
Live adult root maggot flies photographed in the wild April 3, 2006 at Winfield, Illinois.

Adult Female Root Maggot Fly

Adult root maggot flies are important flower pollinators

Adult male on crocus flower. These flies are some of the earliest spring insects.

"The Anthomyiidae (412 North American species) are medium-sized nondescript flies that are taken in large numbers in Old Field sweeps. Most are phytophagous feeding on roots or other plant tissue. This family contains some economically important pests primarily in the genus Hylemya. Two subfamilies are recognized: FUCELLIINAE and ANTHOMYIINAE" -- From the Insects of Cedar Creek

Crocus is the generic name of hardy, corm-forming herbs belonging to the iris family, Iridaceae. The genus comprises about 80 species originally native to the Mediterranean region and to Southwest Asia. They are grown primarily as ornamentals for their beautiful, usually single flowers of brilliant color; however, the stigmas, or pollen-receiving parts, of the flowers of Crocus sativus produce saffron, an important orangy colorant and flavoring.

Crocuses may be divided into two main groups; spring-flowering and fall-flowering. Because their bright-colored flowers--ranging from pure yellow through lavender and blue to white--appear early in spring before most other flowers, the spring crocuses are the most popular. The bulblike corms of autumn-flowering crocuses should be planted during July and August. Spring-flowering corms should be planted not later than November. The corms are set 8 to 10 cm (about 3 to 4 in) deep in well-drained soil and are dug up and replanted every 3 to 4 years, after the leaves die down.