Apsona muscaria
It’s called the sapphire spider fly because it is a beautiful metallic blue-green. It also turns the tables on spiders as its larvae feed on spiders as part of their development.
The sapphire spider fly, Apsona muscaria, is a species of small headed fly endemic to New Zealand They have an exceptionally odd life cycle, with their larvae parasitizing spiders. They are a spectacular metallic blue or blue-green colour and are covered in long hairs that give them a fluffy appearance. They are a fairly rare species but are most often found in subalpine tussock and scrub. The adults are only seen for a short period in summer.
As larvae, they are endoparasitoids of spiders. Their exact host species are unknown but are presumed to be Mygalomorphae such as the tunnelweb spiders (Porrhothele) and banded tunnelweb spiders (Hexathele). Once the larvae are in the spider, they burrow into the book lungs (the spiders breathing organs) and will remain there until they are ready to emerge and pupate away from the host. As adults, the flies hover around flowers such as native daisies and use their long proboscis to feed on nectar. Because of this, they are thought to act as pollinators.
Check these links for more info on the Saphire Spider Fly in NZ
Wikipedia: Information on the Saphire Spider Fly
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