# Chrysopilus Chrysopilus is a fascinating insect that loves to fly around gardens and meadows. With its interesting shape and bright colors, it brings joy to those who spot it! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Chrysopilus typically lives in gardens, fields, and meadows where flowers bloom. - **Also known as:** Flower Hunter, Goldenfly, Long-legged Fly ![Chrysopilus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Chrysopilus_species_fg01.jpg&width=800) Photo: Fritz Geller-Grimm, CC BY-SA 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chrysopilus_species_fg01.jpg) ## Appearance The Chrysopilus is a slender fly with a distinctive metallic or golden sheen on its body, which can appear coppery or greenish depending on the species. Its long, delicate legs and clear wings are often spread slightly at rest, setting it apart from many other flies. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Rhagionidae - **Genus:** Chrysopilus ## Interesting facts - Baby Chrysopilus (larvae) live as tiny predators hidden in damp soil and leaf litter! - Many Chrysopilus species have very short antennae, making their heads look quite unique! - Their name means "golden hair" from Greek, for their often shiny, metallic bodies! - Unlike house flies, adult Chrysopilus often rests with its clear wings spread out to the sides! ## Special abilities - **Soil Hunter:** Chrysopilus larvae can hunt tiny insects like springtails underground because of their strong mouthparts, helping to control soil pests. - **Nectar Sipper:** Adult Chrysopilus has a specialized proboscis that helps them sip nectar from flowers, providing energy for their active flight. - **Quick Darting Flight:** Chrysopilus can hover and dart rapidly in the air, allowing them to escape predators and find mates efficiently in dense vegetation. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 8-20 mm - **Size:** 4-10 mm - **Lifespan:** 14-45 days - **Flight Speed:** 10 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adults sip flower nectar, while their larvae are tiny hunters of small soil insects and decaying matter! - **Age differences:** Larvae are predatory, consuming small soil invertebrates and decaying matter; adults primarily feed on nectar. - **Primary Foods:** flower nectar, springtail species, mite species, small insect larvae, decaying organic matter - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** [Canada Goldenrod](https://www.snappit.app/explore/canada-goldenrod) (*Solidago canadensis*) — Adults visit flowers for nectar. - **Eaten by:** European Garden Spider (*Araneus diadematus*) — Spiders often catch adult Chrysopilus. - **Eaten by:** Red Wood Ant (*Formica rufa*) — Ants can prey on Chrysopilus larvae. - **Hunts:** Springtail species (*Folsomia candida*) — Larvae prey on these common soil invertebrates. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [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:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Chrysopilus? 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 Chrysopilus's wingspan? 8-20 mm ### How big is Chrysopilus? 4-10 mm ### How long does Chrysopilus live? 14-45 days ### How fast can Chrysopilus fly? 10 km/h ### What does Chrysopilus eat? Adults sip flower nectar, while their larvae are tiny hunters of small soil insects and decaying matter! ### Where is Chrysopilus usually found? Chrysopilus typically lives in gardens, fields, and meadows where flowers bloom. ### How does Chrysopilus hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Alki Beach Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/alki-beach-park) — Washington, US · Park - [Fairview Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fairview-park) — California, 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: [Chrysopilus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/chrysopilus)