Although not much is known about its biology, the fly is a known nectar feeder that hovers like a hummingbird as it feeds and flies quickly between flowers. It uses its long proboscis (a hollow straw-like organ) to suck nectar from flowers, and has been seen hovering over many native wildflowers in its habitat. However, the only flower the fly has been documented to nectar from is common buckwheat (Ermogonum fasciculatum), although other plants like California croton (Croton californicus) and telegraphweed (Heterotheca grandiflora) are also flowering during adult flying times and are potential nectar sources for the fly. Placement of the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly on the Endangered Species List has helped stop development projects in the remaining Delhi Sands habitat, a unique ecosystem which is home to other species with limited distribution, including the legless lizard (Anniella pulchra), San Diego horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum blainvillii), Delhi Sands metalmark butterfly (Apodemia mormo new subspecies), Delhi Sands Jerusalem cricket (Stenopelmatus new species), convergent apiocerid fly (Apiocera convergens), and the Delhi Sands sandroach (Arenivaga new species).