Rhagionidae – Snipe Flies

Rhagionidae, sometimes called snipe flies, are slender-bodied dipterans, usually gray or brown, with some species having spotted transparent wings. They are frequently found on vegetation near streams, in forest edges, or in lightly wooded areas. Their long proboscis is used to suck up nutritive liquids. Some species are predatory, others nectar-feeding. The larvae live in soil or moist organic matter. Their slow flight and elongated posture make them relatively easy to spot resting on eye-level leaves.