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Fly id.
I would like to know what species of dipteran fly this is. It was found in Kansas City, Missouri on a Queen Annes Lace stem and measures 5-8mm in length. I am familiar with the tabanid and deer-fly eye colors, but this one’s eyes are fascinating!!! I have checked several guides as well and cannot find the species. Thank you for your time in reviewing these pictures!!
Kirk

Hi Kirk,
While searching for another amazing fly photo sent to us on July 7, we stumbled upon your letter. Our email inbox is truly a black hole where things appear and disappear at whim, and we figured we needed to post your submission before it too gets lost. We now doubt we will ever locate the original object of our desire which seems to have vanished into the ether. Based on the antennae, your fly reminds us of a Soldier Fly in the family Stratiomyidae, but we can’t find a convincing match on BugGuide. We will see if Eric Eaton can assist or perhaps another of our readers knows the answer.

Update: (07/09/2008)
Daniel:
The fly is actually a syrphid, in the genus Orthonevra. Great image!
Eric

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