# Narrow-headed Marsh Fly (*Helophilus fasciatus*) The Narrow-headed Marsh Fly is a small, friendly fly that loves to buzz around wetlands. They are often seen resting on flowers and are important for pollination, helping plants grow. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Narrow-headed Marsh Fly](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Helophilus_sp.jpg&width=800) Photo: Bruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 2.5 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Helophilus_sp.jpg) ## Appearance The Narrow-headed Marsh Fly is a stout, hairy insect with a distinctive black and yellow striped abdomen, resembling a small bee or wasp. It has a proportionally narrow head compared to its body, and large, dark compound eyes. Its wings are clear with a slight brownish tint near the base. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Syrphidae - **Genus:** Helophilus ## Interesting facts - Even though they look like bees, these flies cannot sting you! - Their babies have a special "tail" that's like a snorkel! - These flies help our food grow by visiting countless flowers! - They fly with incredible agility, even hovering perfectly still! ## Special abilities - **Master Mimicry:** Narrow-headed Marsh Fly has a bee-like pattern that helps them scare away predators who think they might sting! - **Underwater Breathing Tube:** Narrow-headed Marsh Fly larvae can breathe underwater using a long tube that helps them access air from the surface. - **Pollination Power:** Narrow-headed Marsh Fly can drink nectar while spreading pollen, which helps many plants make seeds and grow. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 18-24 mm - **Size:** 9-12 mm - **Lifespan:** 20-60 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adults sip nectar and pollen from flowers, while their larvae clean up decaying stuff in water. - **Age differences:** Larvae live underwater, feeding on decaying organic matter, while adults emerge to feed on nectar and pollen from flowers. - **Primary Foods:** nectar, pollen - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** [Creeping Thistle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/creeping-thistle) (*Cirsium arvense*) — Transfers pollen while feeding on its flowers. - **Pollinates:** [Dandelion](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dandelion) (*Taraxacum officinale*) — Visits its bright yellow flowers for nectar and pollen. - **Eaten by:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — A common bird that preys on many insects like flies. ## 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. - [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. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [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 Narrow-headed Marsh Flies are safe to observe. Just watch them from a distance! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Narrow-headed Marsh 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 Narrow-headed Marsh Fly's wingspan? 18-24 mm ### How big is Narrow-headed Marsh Fly? 9-12 mm ### How long does Narrow-headed Marsh Fly live? 20-60 days ### What does Narrow-headed Marsh Fly eat? Adults sip nectar and pollen from flowers, while their larvae clean up decaying stuff in water. ### Where is Narrow-headed Marsh Fly usually found? Wetlands ### How does Narrow-headed Marsh Fly hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Narrow-headed Marsh Fly have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Parc Jean-Drapeau](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/parc-jean-drapeau) — Quebec, CA · Park - [Kitchell Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kitchell-park) — Illinois, US · Park - [Martin State Forest](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/martin-state-forest) — Indiana, US · Forest [View all places to see Narrow-headed Marsh Fly](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/narrow-headed-marsh-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: [Narrow-headed Marsh Fly: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/narrow-headed-marsh-fly)