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Variable Duskyface Fly

Melanostoma mellinum

The Variable Duskyface Fly is a small, friendly insect that loves to buzz around flowers. It helps plants by spreading pollen while it visits them for food.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Variable Duskyface Fly has a sleek, black and yellow striped abdomen, giving it a wasp-like appearance. Its distinctive feature is a dark, almost black, face, contrasting with its clear wings and relatively large, dark eyes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilySyrphidaeGenusMelanostoma
Variable Duskyface Fly
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Variable Duskyface Fly

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite its name, it loves sunshine and bright flowers!

Its larvae are tiny heroes, eating hundreds of garden pests!

They taste sweet nectar with a special straw-like mouthpart!

This fly is a master of disguise, looking just like a stinging bee!

Special abilities

Ability

Precision Hovering

Variable Duskyface Fly can stay perfectly still in mid-air because of powerful wing muscles, helping them spot flowers or mates.

Ability

Clever Disguise

Variable Duskyface Fly has a black and yellow striped body that makes it look like a wasp, tricking predators into staying away.

Ability

Aphid Hunter Larva

The Variable Duskyface Fly's larva can hunt and eat many tiny aphids, which helps protect plants from pests.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
10-15 mm
Size
5-8 mm
Lifespan
10-30 days
Flight Speed
12 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults sip nectar and pollen from flowers; larvae are mighty hunters of aphids.

Age differences: Larvae are carnivorous, primarily consuming aphids, while adults feed on nectar and pollen from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • Nectar
  • Pollen
  • Aphids
  • Honeydew

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These flies are safe and won't hurt you, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Variable Duskyface Fly's wingspan?

10-15 mm

How big is Variable Duskyface Fly?

5-8 mm

How long does Variable Duskyface Fly live?

10-30 days

How fast can Variable Duskyface Fly fly?

12 km/h

What does Variable Duskyface Fly eat?

Adults sip nectar and pollen from flowers; larvae are mighty hunters of aphids.

Where is Variable Duskyface Fly usually found?

Urban areas

How does Variable Duskyface Fly hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Variable Duskyface Fly have?

6

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