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These flies were originally classified in the Horse or March Fly family of Tabanidae and are closely related to them. They live in the cool temperate parts of southern Chile and eastern and south-western Australia. In Australia, the family is represented only by the genus Pelecorhynchus. There are 31 described Australian species and they are all uncommon.
The flies are of robust build, 10-20 mm long and are usually quite colourful with boldly patterned wings in orange or brown.
In Australia, adults feed on Leptospermum flowers – they don't suck blood like many of their Horse Fly relatives. They can be found hovering in mid air in coastal areas in the Spring and in the mountains during the Summer. Larvae have been found in the damp edges of swampy areas, where they feed on earthworms.
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