Habitat: Eastern North America
 Status: No Conservation Concerns

The Golden-backed Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus thoracicus) is like fly royalty. It sports a magnificent golden spot right above its head which is where it gets its scientific name from. Chrysopilus means “golden hair” and thoracicus refers to the golden patch on the thorax.

It’s pretty strange that this ornate fly is found in eastern North America. Normally when I find dazzling insects like this they usually originate in Asia or South America. I’m happy that my continent finally has a golden ambassador.

Maybe it even holds the key to where the legendary city of El Dorado lies…