General Description

Body and head wide with long pointed mouthparts and large hairy eyes. Most species are brown; some are black with white spots, others are shiny green. Body up to 2 cm long.

Biology

These flies are thought to feed on flowers, but other species in this group feed on the blood of humans, cattle and horses. They lay large clusters of eggs in vegetation that overhangs streams or in swamps. Larvae live in moist areas and feed on insects and snails.

Distribution

South-western and eastern mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat

Areas with plants.

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