# Ectophasia crassipennis The Ectophasia crassipennis is a special kind of fly known for its bright colors and unique shape. These flies are often found buzzing around flowers, helping to pollinate them while they search for food. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas, Gardens ![Ectophasia crassipennis](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ectophasia_crassipennis_male_-_Keila.jpg&width=800) Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ectophasia_crassipennis_male_-_Keila.jpg) ## Appearance The Ectophasia crassipennis is a stout-bodied fly, often appearing fuzzy with dark, broad wings that give it its 'thick-winged' name. Its robust body is typically dark, sometimes with metallic hints, and may have orange or reddish markings on the tip of the abdomen, especially in males. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Tachinidae - **Genus:** Ectophasia ## Interesting facts - Adults love to drink sugary nectar from flowers, giving them energy for flying! - Even though it's a fly, its fuzzy body makes it look a bit like a tiny bee! - They are super important for nature because they help control pest insect populations. - This fly's larvae develop inside caterpillars, munching them from the inside out! ## Special abilities - **Parasite Power:** Ectophasia crassipennis can lay its eggs directly on host insects because its larvae are special parasitoids that grow inside their unfortunate hosts. - **Flight Acrobatics:** Ectophasia crassipennis has highly maneuverable flight that helps them dodge predators and swiftly find flowers to feed on. - **Scent Seeker:** Ectophasia crassipennis can detect specific flower scents from a distance that helps them locate vital nectar sources for energy. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 9-20 mm - **Size:** 6-10 mm - **Lifespan:** 14-28 days - **Flight Speed:** 8 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adults drink flower nectar, while larvae are carnivorous parasites of other insects. - **Age differences:** Adult Ectophasia crassipennis feed on nectar, but their larvae are internal parasites, developing inside other insect hosts. - **Primary Foods:** Nectar, Pollen (incidental), Caterpillars (larval stage), Beetle Larvae (larval stage) - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Parasitizes:** [Large Yellow Underwing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/large-yellow-underwing) (*Noctua pronuba*) — Its larvae develop inside this moth's caterpillars. - **Pollinates:** Wild Carrot (*Daucus carota*) — Adults visit its flowers for nectar, helping pollination. - **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — This bird preys on adult flies and their larvae. ## 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. - [Aerial](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aerial): Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting. - [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. - [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. - [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 Ectophasia crassipennis? 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 Ectophasia crassipennis's wingspan? 9-20 mm ### How big is Ectophasia crassipennis? 6-10 mm ### How long does Ectophasia crassipennis live? 14-28 days ### How fast can Ectophasia crassipennis fly? 8 km/h ### What does Ectophasia crassipennis eat? Adults drink flower nectar, while larvae are carnivorous parasites of other insects. ### Where is Ectophasia crassipennis usually found? Urban areas, Gardens ### How does Ectophasia crassipennis hunt? Foraging ## 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: [Ectophasia crassipennis: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ectophasia-crassipennis)