Have you ever wondered what types of flies can be found in Massachusetts? Massachusetts is home to various flies, from the large and obvious house fly to the more obscure species.
This blog post will explore the different types of flies in Massachusetts and provide information about each species.
We’ll also cover the most common house flies and some of the rare species in the state.
This article will enlighten you about everything you need to know about these flies.
Read on to learn more about the different types of flies in Massachusetts.
1. American Hover Fly
The American hoverfly, also known as Syrphidae, is a fly commonly found in Massachusetts.
These flies benefit the environment since they feed on nectar and pollinate plants.
They typically have yellow or white bodies and can grow up to 0.5 inches long.
They are often mistaken for bees or wasps because of their similar appearance, but they can be distinguished by their flight patterns, which are more erratic than those of bees or wasps.
The American Hover Fly is an important part of the ecosystem in Massachusetts and provides vital pollination services to many plants.
And this is second on our list of the various types of flies in Massachusetts.
2. American Bluet Damselfly
The American Bluet Damselfly is third on our list of the different types of flies in Massachusetts.
This is a species of dragonfly found in the eastern United States, including Massachusetts.
These tiny insects are usually less than two inches long and have bright blue or green colored bodies.
They can often be seen skimming across the surface of ponds and other freshwater sources.
American Bluet Damselflies feed on small flying insects, making them important predators in their environment.
They are also excellent pollinators, and their presence is vital to maintaining healthy populations of aquatic plants.
4. American Rubyspot Damselfly
The American Rubyspot Damselfly (Hetaerina Americana) is an insect commonly found throughout Massachusetts.
This medium-sized damselfly can be distinguished from similar species by its bright red spots on the lower wings and its long, narrow tail with white patches.
American Rubyspot Damselflies can be found in various habitats, including streams, ponds, lakes, marshes, and wetlands.
They feed on small aquatic insects, such as mosquitoes and midges, by perching on plants near the water and quickly darting out to capture their prey.
Additionally, they are an important part of the food web as they are predators of other aquatic insects and a food source for fish and birds.
5. Band-Winged Crane Fly
The Band-winged Crane Fly is a large, delicate fly native to North America, particularly Massachusetts.
These flies are easily identifiable due to their long wings marked with a distinct dark band.
The wings also have a small amount of fur and are quite long in proportion to their bodies.
As they prefer damp areas, they can often be found near streams, wetlands, and other areas with standing water.
They feed on small insects and other invertebrates, and the larvae of these flies live in the soil.
Despite their size, they are relatively harmless and are important pollinators in their native habitats.
6. Bee Fly
Bee Flies are one of the most interesting flies found in Massachusetts.
These fascinating creatures get their name from hovering like bees around flowers.
They are usually dark in color, with a black head, white thorax, and light-colored legs.
Bee Flies, one of the various types of flies in Massachusetts, are attracted to areas with short grass or bare ground.
These flies’ larvae feed on the larvae of beetles and other insects found in soil or rotting vegetation.
Bee Flies are an important part of the Massachusetts ecosystem, helping to maintain a healthy balance between various insect species.
7. Bee-Like Robber Fly
The Bee-like Robber Fly, commonly known as Laphria spp., is commonly found in Massachusetts.
It belongs to the Asilidae family and can be identified by its large size, long wings, and greyish-black color.
Its head has two compound eyes covered with a layer of light-colored hair.
These flies are predatory and feed mainly on other insects like moths and bees.
They can be seen hovering in the air or resting on foliage during summer, often near water sources.
Although they’re considered beneficial insects, their persistent presence in residential areas can also make them annoying pests.
8. Big Dipper Firefly
The Big Dipper Firefly is a species of beetle that can be found in Massachusetts.
It is commonly seen in late summer and fall when it glows with a yellow light at night.
Of the various types of flies in Massachusetts, this species is closely related to the common lightning bug.
These fireflies are typically smaller than other species, ranging from 1/4 to 3/8 inches in length.
They have short wings and live in damp meadows or woods.
They are active at dusk, often forming large aggregations resembling a sparkling starry sky.
The Big Dipper Firefly is an important part of the natural environment. It helps with pollination and is a food source for other animals.
9. Black Blow Fly
The Black Blow Fly is a species of fly that is commonly found in the state of Massachusetts.
It has a black body with short, thick antennae and a broad head.
The larvae of this fly are generally found in decaying organic material and garbage cans, while adults can be found near breeding areas such as livestock, compost piles, and trash dumps.
While they are not known to bite or sting, they can still annoy due to their presence in large numbers.
These flies are considered pests in some areas and are controlled with insecticides.
Above all, they are among the numerous types of flies in Massachusetts.
10. Black Firefly
The black firefly is a small and dark species of fly that is native to Massachusetts.
It is a member of the Lampyridae family and can be seen in the late summer months.
These flies are commonly seen in meadows, gardens, and other grassy areas.
This fly species is known for its short and erratic flight, which they use to locate mates.
Its black body and yellow abdomen can also identify the black firefly.
Although they are harmless to humans, these little bugs can be a nuisance during the summertime as they buzz around.
11. Black Onion Fly
The Black Onion Fly is a small fly in Massachusetts that typically feeds on decaying plant matter, such as compost and mulch.
These flies are usually seen during the summer when the temperature is warmer. They can be found in dark and damp places such as basements and garages.
These flies in Massachusetts can be identified by their small size and black or dark gray coloration.
They have long antennae and wings and feed mainly on decomposing plant material.
The Black Onion Fly can cause minor human annoyance but is not known to transmit diseases.
It is important to watch out for these flies, as they can become a nuisance if left unchecked.
12. Black Horse Fly
The Black Horse Fly is a common species of fly in the Tabanidae family found throughout Massachusetts.
It is easily identified by its large black body and yellow-orange colored eyes.
These flies are blood-feeders found near livestock, people, and other mammals during summer.
The adult Black Horse Fly, one of the types of flies in Massachusetts, can bite humans.
This is why looking for these pests in areas with high concentrations of animals or people is important.
They are also known to spread diseases, such as tularemia, so it’s important to take precautions when dealing with this fly species.
13. Black Soldier Fly
The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) is found in Massachusetts and other parts of North America.
This fly is typically found near compost piles, decaying organic matter, and animal carcasses.
They range in size from 7–12 mm in length, usually black or grayish.
Black Soldier Fly larvae are scavengers that feed on decaying organic matter, playing an important role in the decomposition of the material.
Adult flies are usually not a problem; they do not bite or feed on living tissue.
We are just starting with this list of Massachusetts’s various types of flies.
14. Black-Horned Gem Fly
The Black-horned Gem Fly is a species of small fly found in Massachusetts.
This species is typically found in woodlands, meadows, and gardens.
The adult Black-horned Gem Fly has an average wingspan of 7mm and is easily identified by its distinctively large black-tipped horns.
The larvae of this species are considered beneficial predators of various pest insects, including aphids and caterpillars.
They feed on the plant matter or the insects they consume, depending on the stage of development.
With its unique markings, this fly is one of Massachusetts’s more interesting types of flies.
15. Black-Tailed Bee Fly
The Black-tailed Bee Fly is found in the eastern United States and parts of Canada.
The adult flies are black, with a white band across their abdomens and white stripes on their wings and legs. They feed on nectar using long antennae and long proboscis.
They can be found near woodlands and meadows in Massachusetts, often hovering over flowers while they feed.
They are also commonly found in gardens and parks, where they can pollinate plants and benefit the environment.
16. Blue Blow Fly
The Blue Blow Fly (Calliphora vincina) is commonly found in Massachusetts.
These flies have a blue-black body and a grayish-white band across the thorax.
They are types of flies in Massachusetts that are larger than the common housefly and can reach lengths of up to 8 mm.
The Blue Blow Fly is an active flier that often congregates in areas with ample food and shelter.
They feed on carrion and decaying plant material, making them important for decomposition.
In addition, their larvae are also parasitoids, feeding on other insect species.
The Blue blowfly is an important species in Massachusetts and indicates a healthy environment.
17. Brown Mantidfly
Still, on the list of the different types of flies in Massachusetts, the Brown Mantidfly is a fly native to the state.
These flies are approximately 8 to 12 millimeters long and have a dark brown color.
They have long legs and antennae, and their wings have distinct brown stripes.
The Brown Mantidfly lives in wet areas, especially near rivers, streams, moist meadows, and wetlands.
They feed primarily on small insects like aphids but are also known to consume other invertebrates. These flies typically emerge in the summer months.
18. Burrower Mayfly
The Burrower Mayfly (Hexagenia spp.) is a fly found throughout Massachusetts. These aquatic insects inhabit slow-moving and still waters such as streams, rivers, and ponds.
They are active during the warmer months, typically from May to October.
The adults are usually seen flying near the water’s surface and can be identified by their long, brown wings and yellowish-brown bodies.
The larvae of this species burrow into the sediment at the bottom of the water and feed on algae and decaying organic matter.
They are an important part of the food chain for fish and other aquatic organisms in Massachusetts.
19. Caddisfly
Caddisflies are a group of aquatic insects found in rivers and streams across Massachusetts.
They have long, slender bodies with two pairs of wings, ranging from light tan to dark brown.
These predatory insects consume other small aquatic creatures such as mosquito larvae, small fish, and shrimp.
Caddisfly larvae also build protective cases out of silk and pieces of debris for protection against predators.
They are important members of the aquatic food web and can be used as water quality indicators, as certain species prefer clean water with low pollution levels.
This is not left from the list of the types of flies in Massachusetts.
20. Coffinfly
The coffinfly, the Little Brown or Ephmera guttulata, is an interesting fly in Massachusetts.
Its yellowish-brown body, long antennae, and black eyes can identify this insect.
It is also characterized by its four-winged pattern of dark and light spots.
This fly is typically found near bodies of water, such as ponds and rivers.
Coffinflies feed on aquatic plants and algae and are important in keeping their habitats clean.
As one of the types of flies in Massachusetts, they can also help pollinate flowers, especially those near their habitats.
Although they are not considered major pests, they can be a nuisance if they enter your home or property.
21. Common Drone Fly
The Common Drone Fly is on this list of the types of flies in Massachusetts.
It is a large, slender fly with a yellow-brown body and light brown wings.
It has long antennae and a pointed abdomen and can reach a length of about 1⁄4 of an inch.
These flies are commonly found near wetlands or muddy areas and are known for their hovering behavior.
The larvae feed on decaying organic matter, making them useful for decomposition.
While they are typically considered harmless, it is important to note that the drone fly may bite if provoked.
22. Common Sawfly
Common Sawflies are a type of fly found in Massachusetts. These flies belong to the family Tenthredinidae and are similar in size to wasps.
They typically have yellow and black coloring, but some species may also have other colors.
These particular types of flies in Massachusetts have long, narrow bodies and transparent wings.
They feed on foliage, flower nectar, and sap and can be seen in gardens, fields, woodlands, and other natural areas.
Common sawfly larvae can cause significant damage to crops and ornamentals, so it’s important to identify them before they become too numerous.
Luckily, sawflies don’t sting humans and can be safely removed or controlled with insecticides.
23. Dark Fishfly
The dark fishfly is a type of fly commonly found in Massachusetts.
It is an aquatic insect that lives on or near bodies of water, such as streams and ponds.
This fly prefers still waters and can often be seen resting on the surface.
The dark fishfly is about 6 to 10 mm long and has a black body with white bands and orange markings.
The female will lay eggs on vegetation near the water’s edge, and the larvae will feed on detritus.
This fly species is important to the ecosystem. It helps break down decaying matter, making it available for other organisms.
24. Crane Flies
Crane flies, also known as daddy-long-legs, are a family of insects commonly found throughout Massachusetts.
Their slender bodies and long, spindly legs make these small flies easily identifiable.
Of the types of flies in Massachusetts, they are generally harmless and do not bite or sting.
Crane flies can be seen in the state’s gardens, fields, and wooded areas. They feed on a variety of plants, including grasses and weeds.
They are also known to feed on flower nectar. Their presence benefits the environment, as they help aerate the soil and provide food for other animals.
25. Deer Fly
The Deer Fly is one of Massachusetts’s most common types of flies.
They are small to medium-sized with yellowish-brown bodies and black wings with distinctive yellow or orange bands.
Deer Flies are blood-sucking insects that feed on mammals and birds.
They are active during the day, especially when the sun is out, and they can be found hovering around their prey.
Deer Flies are known to be very persistent and aggressive, often biting multiple times before letting go.
They can be controlled by using insect repellent and avoiding areas where they tend to congregate.
26. Dobsonfly
The Dobsonfly is one of the most fascinating creatures you can find in Massachusetts.
It is a type of insect that belongs to the group Megaloptera, or alderflies and is related to the fishfly.
These large and impressive insects have long, stout bodies and long wings with a wingspan of up to 8 cm.
Males also have distinctive mandibles resembling beetles, while females lack this feature.
Dobsonflies are commonly found near rivers, streams, and other bodies of water in Massachusetts and are especially active at night.
They feed on aquatic invertebrates and small fish but are not considered a pest species.
27. Dogwood Sawfly
The Dogwood Sawfly (Macremphytus tarsatus) is a sawfly found in the eastern United States and parts of Canada, including Massachusetts.
It is a large, black, wasp-like insect with yellow stripes along its body, measuring 10 to 15 millimeters in length.
Its primary diet consists of leaf tissue from Dogwood trees, but it may also feed on leaves from other deciduous trees.
Dogwood Sawflies rarely cause enough damage to be considered a significant pest, but their presence can indicate potential infestations of other sawfly species.
Let’s proceed with this list of the different types of flies in Massachusetts.
28. Elm Sawfly
The Elm Sawfly (Cimbex americanus) is a type of fly found in Massachusetts. It is typically seen in April and May.
This fly is about 2/5 inches long, with a black body and yellow stripes on its abdomen.
It has two wings and can be distinguished by the white stripes on its thorax and head.
The Elm Sawfly, on this list of Massachusetts flies, is known to feed on elm tree leaves, especially those of the red elm tree species.
These flies will also feed on other tree species, including maple and birch.
The Elm Sawfly is an important pollinator in Massachusetts and the eastern United States.
29. European Drone Fly
The European drone fly, or Eristalis arbustorum, is common in Massachusetts.
This fly is a true fly belonging to the family Syrphidae, which contains some of the most commonly seen hoverflies in North America.
This species has a black thorax and legs, a yellow-striped abdomen, and a wingspan of about 8mm.
This fly can be commonly seen in gardens and around flowers, where it feeds on nectar.
They are also commonly found near ponds and other moist habitats, as they have aquatic larvae.
These larvae, or maggots, are important in controlling mosquito populations by eating the larvae of these pests.
European drones can also act as important pollinators, aiding in pollinating flowers and keeping plants healthy.
Overall, the European drone fly is a beneficial insect that should be appreciated for its role in the environment!
We’ve still got more types of flies in Massachusetts to discuss!
30. Feather-Legged Fly
The Feather-legged Fly is an insect found in Massachusetts, as well as many other states in the US.
The fly is small, black, and yellow, with long black legs and white bands.
It can be identified by its large eyes and its yellow-tipped wings.
These flies prefer humid environments and can often be found near ponds, streams, and marshy areas.
One of the numerous types of flies in Massachusetts, they feed on nectar from plants, benefiting the environment.
They are also known for their ability to quickly hover around people and animals, making them a nuisance to those who don’t enjoy their presence.
31. Filter Fly
Filter Flies are small flies often found in standing water and sewage facilities.
They have a distinctive appearance, with a black body and yellow stripes running down their abdomen.
They are also known for quickly filtering food particles from the surrounding environment.
While they are usually not dangerous, Filter Flies may carry diseases, which can be transmitted through their feces or contact with their larvae.
As such, they should be avoided where possible. Nonetheless, there are still types of flies in Massachusetts that cannot be sidelined.
32. Flesh Fly
Flesh flies are found throughout the United States, including Massachusetts.
These flies are commonly seen in both rural and urban areas.
Flesh flies are characterized by their dull gray bodies with three distinctive stripes on the thorax.
They feed mainly on decaying animal matter but can also be found around garbage cans, compost piles, and other decaying organic material.
The larvae of flesh flies are commonly used in forensic science as they are known to be attracted to human remains.
Flesh flies may also spread diseases such as dysentery and cholera if they come into contact with contaminated food or drink.
33. Flower Fly
The flower fly, also known as the hoverfly, is a common insect in Massachusetts.
These small flies are generally yellow or black with yellow markings and have large eyes, two wings, and a long, slender body.
They often hover around flowers and feed on pollen and nectar.
Flower flies benefit gardens as they help pollinate plants and reduce the populations of other harmful insects.
These flies do not bite humans or animals and are considered harmless to the environment.
34. Giant Eastern Crane Fly
What are the types of flies in Massachusetts? The giant eastern crane fly is one of the largest flies found in Massachusetts.
It typically grows to an average size of 1.5 to 2 inches in length, with a wingspan of 2.5 to 4 inches.
This fly species is unique in appearance due to its long, thin legs and brownish-black body with yellow stripes.
It is usually found in damp or moist environments, such as gardens and lawns.
The Giant Eastern Crane Fly does not bite humans and does not spread any diseases, but it can be a nuisance pest due to its large numbers and attraction to lights at night.
35. Giant Mayfly
The Giant Mayfly is a mayfly native to Massachusetts and other parts of the United States.
This species is the largest mayfly in North America, reaching up to four inches in length.
They have large yellow-brown eyes, delicate wings, and long, thin abdomens that are brown or yellowish.
The Giant Mayfly can be found near rivers, lakes, and streams, where they can be seen in large swarms at certain times of the year.
They typically emerge in late June or early July and feed on algae, aquatic vegetation, and small organisms like crustaceans and insects.
Adults usually live for only a few days, but they can provide an important food source for other animals, including birds, fish, and frogs.
36. Giant Stonefly
Giant stoneflies, also known as Pteronarcys species, are a type of fly found in Massachusetts.
These large flies range from two to three inches long, typically brown or olive.
They are commonly found near rivers, streams, and lakes and feed on aquatic insects and other small organisms.
The larvae of Giant stoneflies are particularly important to the environment, as they help to break down organic matter in rivers and streams.
It is important to remember that Giant stoneflies can cause serious health problems if mishandled.
Their larvae contain toxins that can cause skin irritation and stomach discomfort when ingested.
37. Gold-Backed Snipe Fly
The Gold-backed Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus thoracicus) is found throughout the United States, particularly in Massachusetts. Its name comes from its striking gold back.
The Gold-backed Snipe Fly feeds on the juices of flowers and sap from trees, often creating large swarms that can be a nuisance to gardeners and landscapers alike.
They are types of flies in Massachusetts that are not dangerous but can sometimes carry diseases.
These flies usually appear during the summer and are relatively easy to spot, with their yellowish-brown coloration and shining golden back.
38. Horse Fly
Horse flies are common in Massachusetts. They are large, dark-colored insects with yellow or black abdomens and gray to green eyes.
Horse flies have long, slim wings and can fly up to 60 mph.
Female horseflies feed on the blood of mammals, including humans, while male horseflies feed on nectar and other plant sources.
Horse flies are especially active during summer and are more prevalent near ponds and lakes.
They can be a nuisance when they bite, spreading diseases such as equine encephalomyelitis and anthrax.
39. Leaf Miner Fly
Lastly, the leaf miner fly, commonly found in Massachusetts, is on our list of the types of flies in Massachusetts.
They are small and usually yellowish-green in color, and they feed on the soft tissue of plants.
Leaf miners can damage plants and crops by laying their eggs in the leaves. The eggs then hatch and feed on the internal leaf tissue.
It is important to watch for signs of an infestation to prevent it.
These signs include small holes or tunnels in leaves or clusters of white eggs near plant surfaces.
If you spot any of these signs, you must contact a professional pest control service immediately to remove the leaf miners before they spread further.
