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Sun Fly

Helophilus pendulus

The Sun Fly is a friendly insect that looks like a little bee! It loves to fly around flowers, helping them grow by spreading pollen.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Sun Fly is a robust hoverfly with a dark, hairy thorax and a distinctive yellow and black striped abdomen, making it look much like a small bee. It has clear wings and often features yellowish or orangish legs. This mimicry helps it blend in visually.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilySyrphidaeGenusHelophilus
Sun Fly
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Sun Fly

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its baby stage, called a larva, has a funny 'rat-tail' that can stretch super long!

Some sun fly larvae are super tough, even living in really dirty water!

Sun flies are expert fliers, able to zip around quickly and even fly backward!

These amazing insects are often confused with bees, but they don't sting at all!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Breath-Taker

Sun Fly larvae have a long, snorkel-like breathing tube that helps them breathe air while living underwater in muddy puddles.

Ability

Air Ballet Dancer

Sun Fly can hover perfectly still in the air because of its agile wing movements, helping them spot flowers or mates.

Ability

Flower's Best Friend

Sun Fly helps plants grow by carrying pollen from flower to flower as it feeds, aiding in plant reproduction.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
15-22 mm
Size
9-12 mm
Lifespan
7-21 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult Sun Flies drink sweet nectar and pollen, while their larvae eat decaying plants.

Age differences: Larvae consume decaying organic matter in water, whereas adults feed on nectar and pollen from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Decaying plant matter
  • Algae

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Flower FlyHover Fly

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Sun Flies are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sun Fly's wingspan?

15-22 mm

How big is Sun Fly?

9-12 mm

How long does Sun Fly live?

7-21 days

What does Sun Fly eat?

Adult Sun Flies drink sweet nectar and pollen, while their larvae eat decaying plants.

Where is Sun Fly usually found?

Urban areas

How does Sun Fly hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Sun Fly have?

6

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