# Common Picture-winged Fly (*Delphinia picta*) The Common Picture-winged Fly is a small insect with beautiful wings that look like a picture! They are often found buzzing around flowers and are fun to watch as they fly. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 22 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Common Picture-winged Fly](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Delphinia_picta_310507875_%28cropped%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Jasper Shide, CC0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Delphinia_picta_310507875_%28cropped%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Common Picture-winged Fly has a dark brown to black body with reddish-brown legs. Its most distinctive feature is its clear wings, which are intricately marked with complex, dark brown or black patterns that resemble tiny, artistic designs. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Ulidiidae - **Genus:** Delphinia ## Interesting facts - Did you know a fly's compound eyes have thousands of tiny lenses? - Their fancy wing patterns are like secret codes for other flies to read! - These flies can zip and change direction faster than you can blink! - They can taste food just by walking on it with their feet! ## Special abilities - **Spotting Scapegoat:** The Common Picture-winged Fly can wave its patterned wings to mimic a jumping spider because the markings and movement make predators think twice. - **Hovering Harmony:** The Common Picture-winged Fly can perform nimble aerial maneuvers because its small size and powerful wing beats allow for quick turns and hovering. - **Nectar Finder:** The Common Picture-winged Fly has excellent vision and antennae that help them locate distant flowers for food sources. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 8-12 mm - **Size:** 4-6 mm - **Lifespan:** 15-30 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding They sip nectar from flowers and sometimes decaying fruit for energy. - **Primary Foods:** nectar, pollen, decaying fruit - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) — A common bird that preys on insects. - **Eaten by:** European Garden Spider (*Araneus diadematus*) — These spiders build webs to catch flying insects. - **Pollinates:** [Yarrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/yarrow) (*Achillea millefolium*) — Flies visit these flowers for nectar and pollen. ## 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. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [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 These flies are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Common Picture-winged Fly? 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 Common Picture-winged Fly's wingspan? 8-12 mm ### How big is Common Picture-winged Fly? 4-6 mm ### How long does Common Picture-winged Fly live? 15-30 days ### What does Common Picture-winged Fly eat? They sip nectar from flowers and sometimes decaying fruit for energy. ### Where is Common Picture-winged Fly usually found? Urban areas ### How does Common Picture-winged Fly hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Common Picture-winged Fly have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Capen-Clark Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/capen-clark-historic-district) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Central Shelby Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/central-shelby-historic-district) — North Carolina, US · Historic District - [Charlestown Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/charlestown-historic-district) — Maryland, US · Historic District - [Concord](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/concord) — Tennessee, US · Neighborhood - [Crapo Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/crapo-park) — Iowa, US · Botanical Garden - [Davisville Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/davisville-historic-district) — Rhode Island, US · Historic District [View all places to see Common Picture-winged Fly](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/common-picture-winged-fly) ## 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: [Common Picture-winged Fly: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-picture-winged-fly)