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Ophiomyia maura

Ophiomyia maura

Ophiomyia maura is a special type of fly that loves to hang around plants. They are small and can be found buzzing in gardens, making them fun to spot!

Habitat: Gardens

Appearance

The Ophiomyia maura is a small, shiny black fly, typically measuring a few millimeters in length. Its body often exhibits a distinct metallic sheen under light, contrasting with its clear, delicate wings. This tiny insect is notable for its uniform dark coloration, making it look like a flying speck of polished coal.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyAgromyzidaeGenusOphiomyia
Ophiomyia maura
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Ophiomyia maura

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Adult flies are so small, you might need a magnifying glass to spot them!

The tiny larvae live inside leaves, munching tunnels from the inside out!

Their black bodies often reflect light, giving them a subtle shimmer!

They prefer thistle plants, making them a specific plant detective!

Special abilities

Ability

Leaf Tunnel Architect

Ophiomyia maura larvae can tunnel intricate paths inside plant leaves because their specialized mouthparts help them eat plant tissue while staying hidden.

Ability

Host Plant Navigator

Ophiomyia maura adults can locate specific thistle plants because they use chemical cues to identify suitable leaves for their eggs.

Ability

Hidden Herbivore

Ophiomyia maura larvae can feed undetected inside plant leaves because this behavior protects them from many predators.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
3-6 mm
Size
1.5-3 mm
Lifespan
20-40 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Young Ophiomyia maura eat plant leaves from the inside, while adults sip sweet plant juices.

Age differences: Larvae consume plant tissue within leaves, while adults feed on nectar and plant sap.

Primary Foods

  • Thistle leaves
  • Nectar
  • Honeydew
  • Cirsium arvense
  • Carduus nutans

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Creeping Thistle

Cirsium arvense

larvae feed on the leaves of this plant.

eats

Nodding Thistle

Carduus nutans

larvae create mines within the leaves.

eaten by

Parasitic Wasp

Opius monilicornis

wasps lay eggs inside Ophiomyia maura larvae.

eaten by

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

birds may pick larvae from mined leaves.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be gentle and watch where you step to protect tiny insects like flies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ophiomyia maura's wingspan?

3-6 mm

How big is Ophiomyia maura?

1.5-3 mm

How long does Ophiomyia maura live?

20-40 days

What does Ophiomyia maura eat?

Young Ophiomyia maura eat plant leaves from the inside, while adults sip sweet plant juices.

Where is Ophiomyia maura usually found?

Gardens

How does Ophiomyia maura hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Ophiomyia maura have?

6

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