Bugland: Strutting His Stuff

This tiny fruit fly is one of 5,000 different types of species in the Tephritidae family. These little guys are often called peacock flies, because of their bright colors and showy markings. The behavioral ecology of peacock flies is of great interest to biologists. Some have extensive mating rituals and territorial displays, moving their wings up and down and engaging in courtship dances. This peacock fly was photographed in Park Hill by Mark Silverstein.