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Beetle Fly or Beetle-backed Fly

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15.5365, 120.803

Field Notes

Description:

Celyphidae are small to medium-sized flies and easily recognised. The scutellum is enlarged, forming a protective shell over the abdomen, giving them a beetle-like appearance. Also, like many beetles, Celyphidae are often shiny or metallic in color. The wings, when at rest, are folded beneath the scutellar "shell".

Habitat:

Rural area.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (10)

I also have a photo of this insect, not posted yet. Now I know its ID, so this is a fly mimicking a beetle.
Impressive! It is the first time I see something like that. Very cool spotting. Thanks for sharing!
An extended scutellum.. good trick. Must make flying uncomfortable? It's now the most beetle-like fly I've ever seen. :-) maybe like Spaniocelyphus... see this http://www.diptera.info/forum/attachments/061119-i8357samp.jpg at here http://www.diptera.info/forum/viewthread.php?thread_id=4274
Oh it's a fly! Thanks EmilieChich! I wish I was able to take a clear photo before it flew :(
That's amazing Emilie. Thanks for that.. It's a 'must-read' - I need to know how those wing covers are formed.
Actually, it is a beetle-like fly: family Celyphidae, but that is as close as I can get.
I think that's the most fly-like beetle I've ever seen.

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