Peacock Fly
ExploreInsects
Peacock Fly
callopistromyia annulipes
The Peacock Fly is a colorful insect that can be found fluttering around flowers. With its vibrant patterns, it's like a tiny piece of art in nature!
Habitat: Meadows, gardens, and parks.
Appearance
The Peacock Fly has intricate, clear and dark banded wings with iridescent blue-green spots that mimic eyes. Its slender legs are distinctly banded with black and white, contrasting with its small, compact, dark body.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyUlidiidaeGenusCallopistromyia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby Peacock Flies live hidden inside rotting wood, munching away!
Its stunning wing patterns and movements earned it the 'Peacock' name!
Males perform a mesmerizing 'dance' with their wings to attract a mate!
They wiggle their banded legs, making them look like dangerous spiders!
Special abilities
Ability
Wing Waving Dance
Peacock Fly can wave its distinctively patterned wings in a mesmerizing dance, which helps them communicate and deter predators.
Ability
Deceptive Eyespots
Peacock Fly has iridescent blue-green spots on its wings that look like eyes, which helps them startle predators.
Ability
Wood Borer Larvae
Peacock Fly larvae can tunnel and feed inside decaying wood, which helps them access nutrients and stay protected.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 8-12 mm
- Size
- 4-6 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-30 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip tree sap and nectar, while larvae enjoy dining inside decaying wood!
Age differences: Larvae consume decaying wood, while adults feed on plant secretions like sap and nectar.
Primary Foods
- tree sap
- nectar
- honeydew
- decaying wood
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Black-capped Chickadee
Poecile atricapillus
Chickadees are common bird predators of small insects, including flies.
eaten by
Garden Orb-weaver
Araneus diadematus
Many spider species, like orb-weavers, trap flies in their sticky webs.
depends on
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Adult Peacock Flies feed on the sap of various deciduous trees.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Colorful FlyGarden Fly
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peacock Fly's wingspan?
8-12 mm
How big is Peacock Fly?
4-6 mm
How long does Peacock Fly live?
10-30 days
What does Peacock Fly eat?
Adults sip tree sap and nectar, while larvae enjoy dining inside decaying wood!
Where is Peacock Fly usually found?
Meadows, gardens, and parks.
How does Peacock Fly hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Peacock Fly have?
6
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