Thick-headed Fly
Conopidae
This beautiful parastitic insect is a
Thick-headed Fly that I found on Antelope Island. They lay their eggs
in
the abdomen of stinging insects. According to Wikipedia, they do
this as they are flying--similar to an Air Force
refueling maneuver but with dire consequences. The eggs hatch and
the larvae feed inside the host. Thankfully,
the adult thick-headed flies feed on nectar and that's when we get to
see them parading around in bee-like attire,
looking all gussied-up for photographers. © Carol Davis,
6-22-2008
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