# Dimorphic Sickleleg (*polydontomyia curvipes*) The Dimorphic Sickleleg (Polydontomyia curvipes) is a fascinating species of hoverfly renowned for its remarkable structural adaptations and exceptional flight capabilities. As its common name suggests, this species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism, with males possessing dramatically curved, sickle-shaped hind legs that play a crucial role in reproduction and territorial defense. While they might look intimidating due to their bold, wasp-like coloration, these insects are entirely harmless and lack a stinger. Instead, they serve as vital pollinators in their native ecosystems. Found primarily in North American coastal and inland wetlands, they represent a wonderful example of Batesian mimicry and insect specialization. Spotting one of these agile flyers hovering precisely over a salt marsh blossom is a rewarding experience for any nature enthusiast. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Primarily inhabits coastal salt marshes, brackish estuaries, and inland saline wetlands throughout North America. ![Dimorphic Sickleleg](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/400778638/medium.jpeg) Photo: Will Linnard, CC BY 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/400778638) ## Appearance This medium-sized hoverfly measures roughly 1 to 1.5 centimeters in length and features a classic Batesian mimicry pattern with striking yellow and black bands across its abdomen, closely resembling a wasp or bee. The most distinctive visual trait is found in the males, which sport robust, highly bowed or sickle-shaped hind tibiae and femora, giving them a slightly bow-legged appearance in flight or at rest. Females lack these curved legs and have more standard, straight hind limbs. Both sexes possess large, reddish-brown compound eyes that cover most of the head, and a pair of clear, iridescent wings that span up to 2.5 centimeters. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Syrphidae - **Genus:** Polydontomyia ## Interesting facts - Despite their menacing wasp-like appearance, Dimorphic Sicklelegs are completely harmless and do not possess a stinger. - The scientific name 'curvipes' literally translates to 'curved foot,' a nod to the male's dramatically bowed hind legs. - Their larvae are among the few insects adapted to thrive in the harsh, highly saline environments of coastal salt marshes. ## Special abilities - **Batesian Mimicry:** Mimics the striking yellow and black warning coloration of stinging wasps and bees to successfully deter potential predators. - **Sickleleg Morphology:** Males possess highly specialized, curved hind legs used for grasping females securely during mating and fending off rival males. - **Precision Hovering:** Capable of perfectly stable, stationary flight in mid-air, allowing them to carefully inspect flowers and easily evade predators. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 1-2 cm - **Wingspan:** 1-3 cm - **Weight:** 0.00005-0.0001 kg - **Lifespan:** 0 years - **Speed:** 12 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 40-120 - **Incubation:** 3-8 days ## Diet & Feeding Adults feed exclusively on nectar and pollen, while the aquatic larvae consume decaying organic matter and microorganisms. - **Age differences:** Larvae are aquatic detritivores filtering organic matter, whereas adults are flying nectarivores. - **Primary Foods:** Nectar, Pollen, Decaying organic matter, Microorganisms - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Host plant:** Seaside Goldenrod (*Solidago sempervirens*) — Adults frequently visit and pollinate this coastal plant. - **Eaten by:** [Barn Swallow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/barn-swallow) (*Hirundo rustica*) — Caught in mid-air by agile insectivorous birds. - **Competitor:** Saltmarsh Mosquito (*Aedes taeniorhynchus*) — Larvae share brackish aquatic habitats and compete for detritus. ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low No special safety notes yet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Dimorphic Sickleleg? 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. ### How long is Dimorphic Sickleleg? 1-2 cm ### What is Dimorphic Sickleleg's wingspan? 1-3 cm ### How much does Dimorphic Sickleleg weigh? 0.00005-0.0001 kg ### How long does Dimorphic Sickleleg live? 0 years ### How fast can Dimorphic Sickleleg move? 12 km/h ### What does Dimorphic Sickleleg eat? Adults feed exclusively on nectar and pollen, while the aquatic larvae consume decaying organic matter and microorganisms. ### Where is Dimorphic Sickleleg usually found? Primarily inhabits coastal salt marshes, brackish estuaries, and inland saline wetlands throughout North America. ## Where to spot - [Kennebunkport Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kennebunkport-historic-district) — Maine, US · Historic District - [Sheepscot Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sheepscot-historic-district) — Maine, US · Historic District ## 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: [Dimorphic Sickleleg: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dimorphic-sickleleg)