Kristi wrote that this is “One of the coolest flies I have ever seen!” …we couldn’t agree more about this fruit fly! Fruit flies (family Tephritidae) are sometimes called peacock flies because of their showy wing patterns, which are used by males in courtship dances. Some species even have wing markings and behavior that mimic a jumping spider, a convincing defense. (Click or tap here for an example: notice how the wing pattern mimics the leg profile of a jumping spider). Fruit flies feed on plants as larvae, with this particular species feeding on seeds of Rough Cocklebur. They range from southern Canada (Ontario to British Columbia) to Florida-Texas-Baja.
Photos by: Kristi DuBois on 8/8/21 in Missoula, MT
