Was out picking blackberries and heard an usually loud insect buzzing and turned around to see one of these things flying low and landing on the woodchips. I thought it was a large wasp/hornet as it looked to be stinging something in the ground but as I watched it it looked more and more like a fly that was laying eggs in the midst of the wood chips.
Some internet sleuthing later and found that it was a Mydas Fly. Apparently there is debate if the adults are predators or feed on nectar/pollen but apparently the larva as especially beneficial in the garden as they feed on grubs for 2 years in the ground, especially beetle grubs.
Not my picture. I wish I had my phone on me at the time but the thing was HUGE
