The Marsh Snipe Fly (Rhagio Tringarius) has an overall length of up to 15mm. The eyes are vividly green and incredible. The thorax is light brown with darker markings, it is hairy-looking, like a lion’s mane. The abdomen is quite orangy looking with dark stripes down each side. The last two segments of the males are black. The wings are clear with vein lines.
Adults can be found in wooded areas, and the larvae spend their time in wet soil or water habitats. Although both adults and larvae are predacious and are quite capable of biting humans, most of these flies do not bite. However, some females in this family are known to bite, and it can be quite painful.
Look for them in swampy areas and wet meadows. They will sit on leaves while they love to bask in the sun. They will perch with their heads down.
The Snipe Fly larvae of some species of Snipe flies are aquatic, but most can be found in damp soil, wet moss or rotting wood. They are carnivores. I have heard that some First Nations People would eat snipe fly egg masses.