Meet Hydrophoria lancifer, a fascinating member of the root-maggot fly family (Anthomyiidae). While these diverse flies generally resemble ordinary, drab grey houseflies, this widespread Palearctic native stands out for its incredible adaptability. Thriving in damp river valleys and wet woodlands, the adults are active from April to September, spending their days visiting forest wildflowers like cow parsley and garlic mustard to dine on nectar and pollen. However, despite their family name, their breeding cycle has a muddy twist: the larvae develop entirely within mammal dung. The females seek out these nutrient-rich spots to deposit clusters of small, pale eggs that darken over time as they prepare to hatch. I crossed paths with this highly adaptable fly in a park few blocks from my house in Barkarby.