Latin Name:  Subfamily Chloropinae
                        (R. Bercha, det.)

Length: 1.5 - 5.0 mm

Range: Throughout Alberta

Habitat:  Grassy areas

Time of year seen:  Summer (Additional Sightings)

Diet:  Various

Other: Frit or Grass flies are tiny flies that are often brightly colored. They are typically found in areas with grass and along marsh edges with sedges.  The larva of some species feed on grass stems while others consume decaying material, fungi or are predatory, hunting small insects.  Some of the stem feeders are pests in cereal crops.  A few of the adult flies are annoying pests of humans and livestock as they bother the eyes and open sores and are thus called Eye Gnats.  (Eaton, 2006 & Borror et al, 1970)