---

No way !!
This is a calyptrate fly in the warble flies belonging to the strictly new-world family Cuterebridae. The larvae of these Cuterebridae make warbles in the hosts, either mice, squirrels or hares (including Ochotona). The species are considered quite rare (though no so rare as the Oldworld counterparts Hypodermatidae/nae). Sometimes males are found gathering together at special places, often hilltopping. These places may be used for several years, so keep track of them.
The Nearctic Cuterebridae have been revised by Curtis Sabrosky.

So, alas, no syrphid, but congratulations: much better !


Theo Zeegers