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stiletto fly
stiletto fly Stiletto fly (Thereva).

stiletto fly

insect
Also known as: Therevidae
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stiletto fly, (family Therevidae), any of about 1,600 species of insects in the fly order, Diptera. Adults are hairy or bristly, with slender bodies. They are usually found in open areas, such as pastures.

The larvae occur in soil and decaying matter, and both adults and larvae are predatory. The larvae move with a wiggly motion and are often confused with worms.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.