Mexican Cactus Fly

Subject: large shiny black fly
Location: Walnut Creek, CA
December 22, 2014 10:42 pm
This fly is larger than a large housefly and is conspicuously hairless compared to a housefly. It is jet black and has interesting colored patches on its wings.
Signature: Dirk

Mexican Cactus Fly

Dear Dirk,
This is a wonderful image of an impressive fly in the family Syrphidae, commonly called a Mexican Cactus Fly, Copestylum mexicanum.  According to BugGuide:  “Larvae feed on rotting cactus” and adults are frequently seen visiting flowers. 

Thank you, Daniel!  It somehow makes a big difference to the enjoyment of an image to know who the subject is.  Dirk

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Location: Walnut Creek, California