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Hawthorn Fly

Bibio marci

The Hawthorn Fly is a small, black insect that loves to be around hawthorn trees. They are often seen in spring and are known for their unique, fluffy bodies.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Hawthorn Fly is a stout, fuzzy black insect with notably long, dangling legs and often dark, smoky wings. Males have unusually large eyes that meet at the top of their head, making them distinct from the smaller-eyed females.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyBibionidaeGenusBibio
Hawthorn Fly
furry trait badgesocial trait badgeherbivorous trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
Hawthorn Fly

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Male Hawthorn Flies have giant eyes that cover almost their entire head!

So many larvae hatch, they can look like a wriggly black carpet!

Their larvae live underground for almost a year before becoming flies!

They are named because they appear around the same time hawthorn trees blossom!

Special abilities

Ability

Fluffy Warmth Shield

Hawthorn Fly has a thick, hairy body that helps them stay warm and active during cooler spring weather.

Ability

Synchronized Sky Dance

Hawthorn Flies can form impressive swarms where males perform aerial displays to attract female mates.

Ability

Soil Enrichment Helper

Hawthorn Fly larvae munch on decaying plant material underground, helping recycle nutrients back into the soil.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
15-25 mm
Size
8-12 mm
Lifespan
5-10 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar and larvae munch on dead plants, helping decompose and enrich the soil!

Age differences: Adults feed on nectar and pollen; larvae are detritivores, consuming decaying organic matter and roots.

Primary Foods

  • nectar
  • pollen
  • decaying plant matter

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Hawthorn Flies are friendly and safe to watch. Just enjoy looking at them from a distance!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hawthorn Fly's wingspan?

15-25 mm

How big is Hawthorn Fly?

8-12 mm

How long does Hawthorn Fly live?

5-10 days

What does Hawthorn Fly eat?

Adults sip nectar and larvae munch on dead plants, helping decompose and enrich the soil!

Where is Hawthorn Fly usually found?

Forests

How does Hawthorn Fly hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Hawthorn Fly have?

6

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