Freeloader Fly - ? Desmometopa sp.

Family Milichiidae

This page contains pictures and information about Freeloader Flies that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.

 

Flies body length 2mm  

 

Some species in this family Milichiidae can be found gathering around feeding spider or some other predator insects in order to feed on their prey.

 

 

This small fly has the same feeding habit. They were found around the Salticid Ant Eater jumping spider when the spider was feeding on ant. We believe the fly feeds on the juice of the ant which was externally digesting by the spider.

 

 

Of course this is not welcomed by the spider. 

 

 

The fly folds the wings flat over abdomen at rest.  

 

 

  

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Reference:

1. Insects of Australia, CSIRO, Division of Entomology, Melbourne University Press, 2nd Edition 1991, p779. 

2. On the Fly, The Interactive Atlas and Key to Australian Fly Families CD Rom - Hamilton, J. et al. 2006. Brisbane : CBIT & ABRS. 

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Last updated: January 01, 2011.