# 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! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Gardens ![Ophiomyia maura](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/21513740/medium.jpg) Photo: Even Dankowicz, CC BY 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/21513740) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Agromyzidae - **Genus:** Ophiomyia ## 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 - **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. - **Host Plant Navigator:** Ophiomyia maura adults can locate specific thistle plants because they use chemical cues to identify suitable leaves for their eggs. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-capped-chickadee) (*Poecile atricapillus*) — birds may pick larvae from mined leaves. ## 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. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [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. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [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 Be gentle and watch where you step to protect tiny insects like flies. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Ophiomyia maura? 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 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 ## 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: [Ophiomyia maura: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/ophiomyia-maura)