# 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.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Forests

![Hawthorn Fly](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/%28MHNT%29_Bibio_marci.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Didier Descouens, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%28MHNT%29_Bibio_marci.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Diptera
- **Family:** Bibionidae
- **Genus:** Bibio

## 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

- **Fluffy Warmth Shield:** Hawthorn Fly has a thick, hairy body that helps them stay warm and active during cooler spring weather.
- **Synchronized Sky Dance:** Hawthorn Flies can form impressive swarms where males perform aerial displays to attract female mates.
- **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

- **Depends on:** Common Hawthorn (*Crataegus monogyna*) — Larvae feed on roots; adults feed on flowers.
- **Pollinates:** [Blackthorn](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blackthorn) (*Prunus spinosa*) — Adults visit flowers, helping transfer pollen.
- **Pollinates:** [Apple Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/apple-tree) (*Malus domestica*) — Adult flies aid in pollinating apple blossoms.
- **Eaten by:** [European Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-robin) (*Erithacus rubecula*) — Hawthorn flies can be a food source for birds.

## Traits

- [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
- [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.
- [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.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [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

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

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Hawthorn 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 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

## 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*)

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Source: [Hawthorn Fly: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/hawthorn-fly)