Signal Fly

5719  This was taken July 4th in Embrun Ontario. They are found near the pool area and measure around 4 mm. They also bite and leaves a bump around 2mm. Can you tell me what they are? Terry

This does not look like any species of biting fly found in your area. It looks more like a signal fly (Diptera: Platystomatidae) in the genus Rivellia; see http://tinyurl.com/h6uzhfc for some examples. None of these flies are capable of biting, but they are reportedly attracted to sweat among other things. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.