dremlap

I have been advised this is a type of Soldier Beetle (Family Cantharidae).

If the entomologist at BugGuide has correctly identified this fly, then this is the only Gnophomyia recorded west of Texas. BugGuide has listed only two species for this genus, G. tristissima and G. luctuosa. There are no records in BugGuide for G. luctuosa.

Update - An entomologist at BugGuide believes this is a species of Podisus. All of BugGuide's posted Washington Podisus are P. brevispinus. Hence, my species guess.

Doubtful that it is P. comma since it was found in Washington state. Most likely it is P. satyrus, P. faunus, or P. gracilis zephyrus. It's unfortunate that the little fellow took off before I could position for a dorsal shot. If I was a betting man, I would put my money on P. satyrus.