Beeflies (Acroceridae)

Image Credit: stevenw12339

Beeflies (Acroceridae)parasite of predators.  Eulonchus is composed of several magnificently metallic iridescent species. It is the only genus in this relative of true bee-flies that has functional mouthparts. It is the most primitive genus and it is parasitic on the primitive folding-trap-door spiders that are so abundant in the conifer forests of the PNW.

Acroceridae

All these species have extremely elongated mouthparts, which allow them to obtain nectar even from the specialized tubular flowers of Iris (which they also pollinate effectively).