Bibio
ExploreInsects
Bibio
bibio
Bibio are fascinating little flies that often appear in the spring. They have shiny black bodies and can be seen buzzing around flowers!
Habitat: Bibio can be found in gardens, meadows, and near water sources.
Appearance
The Bibio is a stout, hairy fly, typically black or dark brown with robust bodies and distinctively smoky or clear wings. Some species have bright orange or red markings on their legs or thorax. They are visually different from houseflies due to their thicker build and often darker wing coloration.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyBibionidaeGenusBibiodes
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Bibio larvae can live underground for up to a whole year before transforming into adults!
Even though many Bibio fly in spring, some unique species emerge to fly in autumn instead!
Male Bibio often swarm together, looking like tiny flying clouds in the spring!
Some Bibio species are called 'hawthorn flies' after their favorite springtime plant!
Special abilities
Ability
Spring Swarmer
Bibio males can gather in huge aerial swarms because this helps them find mates quickly during their short adult lives.
Ability
Underground Cleanup Crew
Bibio larvae have strong mouthparts that help them break down dead leaves and plants in the soil, enriching it.
Ability
Early Bird Pollinator
Bibio adults brave cool spring weather to pollinate early flowering plants that other insects might miss.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 8-25 mm
- Size
- 4-12 mm
- Lifespan
- 3-10 days
- Flight Speed
- 8 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult Bibio usually don't eat, but their larvae are vital decomposers, munching on dead plants.
Age differences: Adults typically do not feed, focusing entirely on reproduction. Larvae are detritivores.
Primary Foods
- decaying leaves
- rotting wood
- dead plant roots
- organic soil matter
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
pollinates
Blackthorn
Prunus spinosa
Bibio help pollinate its early spring flowers.
pollinates
Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
Bibio are important early pollinators of hawthorn trees.
pollinates
Goat Willow
Salix caprea
Bibio visit and pollinate early spring willow catkins.
eaten by
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Great Tit
Parus major
Adult Bibio are a food source for many insectivorous birds.
eaten by
European Robin
Erithacus rubecula
Robins feed on Bibio, especially during their spring emergence.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
march flyspring fly
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bibio's wingspan?
8-25 mm
How big is Bibio?
4-12 mm
How long does Bibio live?
3-10 days
How fast can Bibio fly?
8 km/h
What does Bibio eat?
Adult Bibio usually don't eat, but their larvae are vital decomposers, munching on dead plants.
Where is Bibio usually found?
Bibio can be found in gardens, meadows, and near water sources.
How does Bibio hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Bibio have?
6
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
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