# Acalyptrate Flies (*acalyptratae*) Acalyptrate flies are tiny insects that buzz around and can be found in many places! They help the environment by breaking down organic matter and are fun to watch as they flit about. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger - **Habitat:** Acalyptrate flies live in diverse environments, including gardens, forests, and wetlands. - **Also known as:** Fruit Flies, House Flies ![Acalyptrate Flies](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Marsh_fly01.jpg&width=800) Photo: Eric Guinther, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marsh_fly01.jpg) ## Appearance The Acalyptrate Flies are a varied group of small to medium insects, typically featuring two clear wings and a compact body. They often have large, prominent eyes and bristly legs, with colours ranging from dull browns and blacks to vibrant metallic greens or blues. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Strongylophthalmyiidae - **Genus:** Strongylophthalmyia ## Interesting facts - Many lay their eggs inside rotting fruit or plants! - Some can walk on ceilings upside down easily! - Their eyes are made of thousands of tiny lenses! - They have over 100,000 different known species! ## Special abilities - **Tiny Pollinators:** Acalyptrate Flies can pollinate many plants because they visit flowers for nectar, helping plants reproduce. - **Nature's Cleaners:** Acalyptrate Flies can decompose decaying organic matter, helping to recycle nutrients in ecosystems. - **Master Disguisers:** Some Acalyptrate Flies species mimic bees or wasps because their appearance scares away predators. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 4-20 mm - **Size:** 2-10 mm - **Lifespan:** 15-60 days - **Flight Speed:** 8 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These diverse flies eat decaying matter, nectar, or sometimes other small insects. - **Age differences:** Larvae often have different diets than adults, typically consuming decaying matter. - **Primary Foods:** decaying fruit, rotting plants, nectar, fungi, pollen, small insects - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Barn Swallow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/barn-swallow) (*Hirundo rustica*) — These birds are agile hunters, catching flies mid-flight. - **Pollinates:** Wild Carrot (*Daucus carota*) — Many small-flowered plants depend on flies for pollination. - **Eats:** [Honey Fungus](https://www.snappit.app/explore/honey-fungus) (*Armillaria mellea*) — Some acalyptrate fly larvae develop by feeding on fungi. - **Hunts:** Flower Crab Spider (*Misumena vatia*) — These spiders often ambush visiting flies on flowers. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Acalyptrate Flies? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Acalyptrate Flies's wingspan? 4-20 mm ### How big is Acalyptrate Flies? 2-10 mm ### How long does Acalyptrate Flies live? 15-60 days ### How fast can Acalyptrate Flies fly? 8 km/h ### What does Acalyptrate Flies eat? These diverse flies eat decaying matter, nectar, or sometimes other small insects. ### Where is Acalyptrate Flies usually found? Acalyptrate flies live in diverse environments, including gardens, forests, and wetlands. ### How does Acalyptrate Flies hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Matthews Beach Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/matthews-beach-park) — Washington, US · Park - [Spring Mill Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/spring-mill-park) — Pennsylvania, US · Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Acalyptrate Flies: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/acalyptrate-flies)