# Villa lateralis Villa lateralis is a small fly that loves to buzz around flowers and gardens. They are often seen flitting about, helping to pollinate plants while they search for food. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Gardens ![Villa lateralis](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/404198073/medium.jpeg) Photo: CC0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/404198073) ## Appearance The Villa lateralis is a stout-bodied fly covered in dense, often yellow-brown, furry hair, strongly resembling a bumblebee. It has transparent wings that may feature dark patterns, and a prominent, needle-like proboscis tucked beneath its head, used for sipping nectar. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Diptera - **Family:** Bombyliidae - **Genus:** Villa ## Interesting facts - Some bee flies have a super long "tongue" for sipping nectar from deep flowers! - These fuzzy flies are incredibly speedy flyers, darting around flowers like tiny helicopters! - They lay their eggs near other insect nests, and their babies eat the hosts! - When they fly, these furry insects can make a buzzing sound just like a real bee! ## Special abilities - **Master of Disguise:** Villa lateralis can look like a furry bee or wasp because of its body shape and hair, which helps them avoid predators. - **Hovering Ace:** Villa lateralis can hover perfectly still in mid-air because of its powerful wings, allowing it to feed on nectar with precision. - **Sneaky Predator:** Villa lateralis larvae can parasitize other insect larvae because they are deposited near their hosts, ensuring a food source. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 15-25 mm - **Size:** 8-14 mm - **Lifespan:** 15-45 days - **Flight Speed:** 25 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adult Villa lateralis sip flower nectar, but their young are parasitic and eat other insect larvae. - **Age differences:** Adults feed on nectar and pollen, but their larvae are parasites, developing inside and feeding on other insect larvae. - **Primary Foods:** Nectar (from various flowering plants), Pollen (accidentally or intentionally ingested) - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** [Creeping Thistle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/creeping-thistle) (*Cirsium arvense*) — Adults feed on its nectar, helping its reproduction. - **Pollinates:** [Red Clover](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-clover) (*Trifolium pratense*) — Visits its flowers for nectar, aiding its reproduction. - **Parasitizes:** Ashy Mining Bee (*Andrena vaga*) — Its larvae develop as internal parasites within the host's larvae. ## 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. - [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 These flies are friendly and safe to watch. Just don't try to catch them! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Villa lateralis? 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 Villa lateralis's wingspan? 15-25 mm ### How big is Villa lateralis? 8-14 mm ### How long does Villa lateralis live? 15-45 days ### How fast can Villa lateralis fly? 25 km/h ### What does Villa lateralis eat? Adult Villa lateralis sip flower nectar, but their young are parasitic and eat other insect larvae. ### Where is Villa lateralis usually found? Gardens ### How does Villa lateralis hunt? Foraging ## 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: [Villa lateralis: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/villa-lateralis)