Marsh Fly – Tetanocera species

Marsh Flies – Family Sciomyzidae

Marsh flies are generally slender, yellowish or brownish, 1/4 – 1/2″ long. They have fairly prominent eyes, prominent forward-pointing antennae, and bristles on the femora (upper hind leg). The wings are mottled with various light brown markings according to species. Marsh flies are common along the edges of ponds and rivers, and in marshy areas where the larvae prey on or become parasites of slugs & snails.

This little fly was photographed at Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville Illinois – 1/2 way up the back side of Mt. Hoy, to be exact. Mt. Hoy is the tallest point in DuPage County at 837 feet. The air reeks of methane from the slowly-decomposing garbage pile the green exterior hides. Blackwell is a testament to the power of nature to repair itself – insects and other wildlife abound in the the woods and lakes surrounding the landfill. (It only leaks a little bit. – people are advised not to eat fish caught in the smallest lake nearest the hill.)

I love the wild eyes on this fly. Very cooperative subject!

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