Humpbacked Flies

Phoridae

Humpbacked flies are tiny insects that have a unique humped back. They are often found in damp places and can be seen buzzing around flowers and decaying plants.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Humpbacked Flies has a distinctive rounded, hump-shaped thorax, which gives them their name. They are tiny, typically dark-bodied, with small heads and short antennae. Their clear wings often appear somewhat iridescent under light.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyPhoridae

Humpbacked Flies

Interesting facts

A female can lay hundreds of eggs in her short lifetime!

Many species can run much faster than they fly!

Some Phorid fly larvae can live inside bee brains!

They are often called 'coffin flies' because they can be found deep in buried coffins!

Special abilities

Humpbacked Flies can lay eggs on ants, and their larvae grow inside, eventually causing the ant's head to fall off.

Humpbacked Flies can burrow several feet into soil to reach hidden food sources, like buried decaying animals.

Humpbacked Flies can dart and change direction incredibly fast, helping them escape predators with surprising agility.

Measurements & details

Size: 1-5 mm
Lifespan: 7-40 days
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

They eat decaying plants, fungi, and sometimes become parasites inside other insects or snails.

Age differences: Larvae are often parasitic or feed on decaying matter, while adults may sip nectar or honeydew.

Primary Foods

Decaying plants
Mushrooms
Insect larvae
Snails
Dead animals

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

parasitizes

Red Imported Fire Ant

Solenopsis invicta

Larvae develop inside and eventually behead the host ant.

eats

Button Mushroom

Agaricus bisporus

Many Phorid fly larvae feed on decaying fungi.

eaten by

Garden Spider

Araneus diadematus

Common garden spiders are predators of small flying insects.

parasitizes

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Some species lay eggs on honey bees, with larvae developing inside.

Traits

Omnivorous

This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Decomposer

Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.