# Hammertails (*Efferia*) Hammertails are fascinating insects known for their unique tail shapes that look like hammers! They are often found buzzing around flowers and are important for helping plants grow by spreading pollen. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Hammertails](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Efferia_aestuans.jpg&width=800) Photo: Bruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Efferia_aestuans.jpg) ## Appearance The Hammertails is a sleek, often metallic-bodied insect, displaying shades of iridescent green, blue, or brown with transparent, veined wings. Its most unique feature is a flattened, paddle-like structure at the very end of its abdomen, resembling a tiny hammer. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Asilidae - **Genus:** Efferia ## Interesting facts - Baby Hammertails are legless larvae that live in soil or wood, transforming into winged adults! - Some Hammertails can hover perfectly still in mid-air, just like a tiny, living helicopter! - Their large eyes have thousands of tiny lenses, helping them see in almost every direction at once! - When threatened, some Hammertails might play dead, dropping to the ground to trick predators! ## Special abilities - **Aerial Acrobatics:** Hammertails has a unique hammer-shaped tail that helps them balance and steer with incredible agility during fast, erratic flights. - **Precision Pounce:** Hammertails can spot tiny moving prey from far away because of its large compound eyes that detect quick movements. - **Rapid Retreat:** Hammertails can beat their wings at amazing speeds, allowing for sudden bursts of speed to escape from danger or catch prey. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 25-45 mm - **Size:** 15-30 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-90 days - **Flight Speed:** 15 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These quick hunters mostly eat other small bugs they catch in the air, using their speedy flight. - **Age differences:** Larvae typically feed on decaying plant matter or smaller soil insects; adults exclusively hunt flying insects. - **Primary Foods:** flies, mosquitoes, small moths, gnats, aphids - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Robins are common bird predators, catching them mid-flight. - **Hunts:** House Fly (*Musca domestica*) — Hunts house flies, grabbing them with strong legs from the air. - **Hunts:** Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Sometimes preys on honey bees, ambushing them while foraging. ## Traits - [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. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. - [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 Be gentle and watch them from a distance; they are small and delicate. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Hammertails? 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 Hammertails's wingspan? 25-45 mm ### How big is Hammertails? 15-30 mm ### How long does Hammertails live? 30-90 days ### How fast can Hammertails fly? 15 km/h ### What does Hammertails eat? These quick hunters mostly eat other small bugs they catch in the air, using their speedy flight. ### Where is Hammertails usually found? Urban areas ### How does Hammertails hunt? Pursuit ## 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: [Hammertails: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/hammertails)