ExploreInsects

Golden-backed Snipe Fly

Chrysopilus thoracicus

The Golden-backed Snipe Fly is a shiny, beautiful insect with a golden back. It loves to fly around flowers and is often seen in gardens and fields, making it a fun friend to spot!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Golden-backed Snipe Fly is a small, slender fly with a distinctive, iridescent golden-yellow thorax that truly sparkles. Its abdomen is dark brown to black, and its wings are clear, sometimes with a brownish tinge near the base, setting it apart from other drabber flies.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyRhagionidaeGenusChrysopilus
Golden-backed Snipe Fly
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Golden-backed Snipe Fly

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

42

Interesting facts

Adult Golden-backed Snipe Flies love flower nectar.

Despite "snipe fly," they don't have a long beak!

Some snipe flies are called "timber flies" for larval habits.

Their larvae are tiny predators hiding underground!

Special abilities

Ability

Hovering Hunter

Golden-backed Snipe Fly can hover effortlessly in mid-air using rapid wing movements, allowing them to ambush small insects with precision.

Ability

Sticky Tongues

Golden-backed Snipe Fly has a spongy proboscis that helps them lap up nectar and other liquid foods, providing quick energy for flight.

Ability

Soil Scavengers

Golden-backed Snipe Fly larvae live in soil and rotting wood, where they can consume decaying matter and other small invertebrates as decomposers.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
10-18 mm
Size
5-9 mm
Lifespan
10-20 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip flower nectar for energy; larvae are tiny predators or decomposers in soil.

Age differences: Larvae are predatory or detritivorous in soil; adults feed on nectar and plant fluids.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • honeydew
  • small insect larvae
  • earthworms
  • decaying organic matter

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

pollinates

Wild Carrot

Daucus carota

Visits flowers for nectar, aiding plant reproduction.

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

An easy meal for insect-eating birds.

hunts

Springtail

Folsomia candida

Larvae prey on small soil invertebrates like springtails.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These flies are not dangerous, but it's always good to watch insects from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Golden-backed Snipe Fly?

The easiest way to identify Golden-backed Snipe Fly is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

What is Golden-backed Snipe Fly's wingspan?

10-18 mm

How big is Golden-backed Snipe Fly?

5-9 mm

How long does Golden-backed Snipe Fly live?

10-20 days

What does Golden-backed Snipe Fly eat?

Adults sip flower nectar for energy; larvae are tiny predators or decomposers in soil.

Where is Golden-backed Snipe Fly usually found?

Grasslands

How does Golden-backed Snipe Fly hunt?

Ambush

How many legs does Golden-backed Snipe Fly have?

6

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