The Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis) is the only fly listed as endangered under--and thus protected by--the United States Endangered Species Act.
Photo by Guy Bruyea
The Delhi Sands flower-loving fly is a giant in the fly world. It is more than an inch long, with beautiful green eyes and a craving for nectar. It also is native to the irreplaceable--and rapidly disappearing--Delhi Sands ecosystem in southern California. Because of urban development, researchers estimate only about 2-3% of the fly's sand dune habitat remains. Scientists have called the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly a flagship species for the whole Delhi Sands ecosystem. Protecting the Delhi fly's habitat will preserve important open space that is habitat to a variety of wildlife.
To learn more about the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly:
- Delhi Sands flower-loving
fly subject of misleading Congressional hearing (Sept. 10, 2004)
- Fact
Sheet (PDF)
- Delhi
Sands flower-loving fly Myths Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Editorial Advisory (Word file)