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Large Black Fly
July 30, 2009
Hello!
My sister-in-law found this critter as it tried to take a short rest on her shoulder. We didn’t get a very good picture of it, but to be honest everyone was kinda scared of it! He is about 1.5 to 2 inches long, which makes it the largest fly I’ve ever seen in this area. The location is northern New Hampshire, and this was in late July.
I did a bunch of research online, but it doesn’t match anything I can find. The split-wing and yellow stripe are what seems to be throwing me off. He has a head that looks more like a hornet than a fly, but no stinger.
Hope you can help, and thanks for your time!
Tristan
Littleton, NH

Elm Sawfly

Hi Tristan,
The reason this Elm Sawfly has a head that looks like a wasp is that they Sawfly is in the same order of insects as Wasps, Hymenoptera.  Flies only have two wings.  You may read more about Elm Sawflies on BugGuide.

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