# 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! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 42 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Golden-backed Snipe Fly](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Golden-backed_Snipe_Fly_-_Chrysopilus_thoracicus%252C_Meadowwood_Farm_SRMA%252C_Mason_Neck%252C_Virginia.jpg&width=800) Photo: Judy Gallagher, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Golden-backed_Snipe_Fly_-_Chrysopilus_thoracicus%252C_Meadowwood_Farm_SRMA%252C_Mason_Neck%252C_Virginia.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Rhagionidae - **Genus:** Chrysopilus ## 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 - **Hovering Hunter:** Golden-backed Snipe Fly can hover effortlessly in mid-air using rapid wing movements, allowing them to ambush small insects with precision. - **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. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — An easy meal for insect-eating birds. - **Hunts:** Springtail (*Folsomia candida*) — Larvae prey on small soil invertebrates like springtails. ## 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. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [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. - [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 not dangerous, but it's always good to watch insects from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Golden-backed Snipe 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 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 ## Where to spot - [Abbott Farm Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/abbott-farm-historic-district) — New Jersey, US · Historic District - [Ambler Heights Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ambler-heights-historic-district) — Ohio, US · Historic District - [Arden Park–East Boston Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arden-park-east-boston-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Black Hawk State Historic Site](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/black-hawk-state-historic-site) — Illinois, US · Park - [Broadway Avenue Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/broadway-avenue-historic-district) — Michigan, US · Historic District - [Brookfield Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/brookfield-park) — Virginia, US · Park [View all places to see Golden-backed Snipe Fly](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/golden-backed-snipe-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: [Golden-backed Snipe Fly: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/golden-backed-snipe-fly)