What is this fly in my garden? - Ask Extension
Hello! I noticed a bunch of these flies trapped under my brassica row covers today. Wondering if they are a pest or simply a garden friend? Thank you!
Knowledgebase
What is this fly in my garden? #870882
Asked May 31, 2024, 12:25 AM EDT
Hello! I noticed a bunch of these flies trapped under my brassica row covers today. Wondering if they are a pest or simply a garden friend? Thank you!
Anchorage County Alaska
Expert Response
Hi Shaina,
These are "march flies". The larvae are decomposers, and the adults often emerge in large aggregations for mating, which can be a bit disconcerting, but they are not harmful. Having a lot of them can sometimes be indicative that there is a high amount of organic matter in the soil.
You can find a little more information about them here: https://bugguide.net/node/view/3834
These are "march flies". The larvae are decomposers, and the adults often emerge in large aggregations for mating, which can be a bit disconcerting, but they are not harmful. Having a lot of them can sometimes be indicative that there is a high amount of organic matter in the soil.
You can find a little more information about them here: https://bugguide.net/node/view/3834
