# Poplar Twiggall Fly (*Euhexomyza schineri*) The Poplar Twiggall Fly is a tiny insect that loves to hang out on poplar trees. It has a special way of making its home in the twigs, where it can stay safe and cozy. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Poplar Twiggall Fly](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Euhexomyza_schineri.jpg&width=800) Photo: Marilynn Miller, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Euhexomyza_schineri.jpg) ## Appearance The Poplar Twiggall Fly is a small, slender insect, typically dark brown to black with delicate, clear wings. It has noticeable antennae and large compound eyes, but lacks any bright markings, blending well with tree bark. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Agromyzidae - **Genus:** Euhexomyza ## Interesting facts - Adult Poplar Twiggall Flies have super short lives, sometimes just a week! - Larvae build their own safe house inside poplar twigs for protection! - Poplar Twiggall Fly larvae munch on plant juices for all their food! - They help prune poplar trees by causing some twigs to drop to the ground! ## Special abilities - **Gall Architect:** Poplar Twiggall Fly larvae can induce galls on poplar twigs because of chemicals released, creating a safe home and food source. - **Hidden Nursery:** Poplar Twiggall Fly has larvae that develop inside protective galls, which helps them stay safe from predators and harsh weather. - **Rapid Egg Laying:** Poplar Twiggall Fly can quickly lay many eggs in poplar twigs, helping ensure the next generation of gall formers. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 4-8 mm - **Size:** 2-5 mm - **Lifespan:** 7-21 days - **Flight Speed:** 8 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding The larvae of this fly get all their food from the insides of poplar twigs, where they create a gall. - **Age differences:** Larvae feed on poplar twigs, while adult flies typically do not feed or consume small amounts of nectar. - **Primary Foods:** Poplar sap, Plant tissues, Woody stem material - **Foraging Method:** Null ## Ecological connections - **Parasitizes:** [Eastern Cottonwood](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottonwood) (*Populus deltoides*) — Lays eggs in twigs, causing galls to form and consuming plant tissue. - **Hunts:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — Birds might peck open galls to eat the larvae inside. - **Depends on:** European Aspen (*Populus tremula*) — The fly's entire larval development relies on this host tree species. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [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 Insects are usually safe, but it's best to watch them from a distance. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Poplar Twiggall 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 Poplar Twiggall Fly's wingspan? 4-8 mm ### How big is Poplar Twiggall Fly? 2-5 mm ### How long does Poplar Twiggall Fly live? 7-21 days ### How fast can Poplar Twiggall Fly fly? 8 km/h ### What does Poplar Twiggall Fly eat? The larvae of this fly get all their food from the insides of poplar twigs, where they create a gall. ### Where is Poplar Twiggall Fly usually found? Forests ### How does Poplar Twiggall Fly hunt? Null ## Where to spot - [Whiteshell Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/whiteshell-provincial-park) — Manitoba, CA · State Park ## 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: [Poplar Twiggall Fly: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/poplar-twiggall-fly)