Golden Backed Snipe Fly: Essential Facts for Enthusiasts

The Golden Backed Snipe Fly is a fascinating insect native to eastern North America. Often found resting on low vegetation in deciduous woodlands, these unique flies are known for their distinctive golden-colored thorax and white chevrons on their abdomen.

Appearing in late spring and early summer, these flies measure between 10-12 mm in length and can be observed mating during late May to early June. While Golden Backed Snipe Fly facts remain somewhat enigmatic, their striking appearance and presence in habitats around wetlands make them a captivating subject for those interested in the world of insects.

Golden Backed Snipe Fly Basics

Classification

The Golden-backed Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus thoracicus) belongs to the Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda, Class: Insecta, Order: Diptera, Family: Rhagionidae, and Genus: Chrysopilus.

Insect Description

Golden-backed Snipe Flies have a unique appearance with distinct features:

• Striking gold thorax
• White chevrons on their abdomen
• Black wings
• No stinger

They are commonly found in the eastern regions of North America, particularly around wetlands and low-lying vegetation in deciduous woodlands.

Size and Colors

Adult Golden-backed Snipe Flies typically reach a size of 10-12 mm in length, making them a relatively small species within the insect world. Their most noticeable feature is the gold thorax, covered in highly reflective golden hairs, giving them their name.

These flies show off a stunning contrast of colors with their black bodies, wings, and white-chevron markings on their abdomen. Their visual appeal makes them easy to spot when perched on leaves of understory vegetation.

In summary, the Golden-backed Snipe Fly is an insect with striking features and a unique coloration that sets them apart from other flies. The Chrysopilus thoracicus, found throughout eastern North America, is a fascinating species for insect enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

Distribution and Habitat

Geographical Range

Golden-backed snipe flies (Chrysopilus thoracicus) are prevalent throughout Eastern North America. Their range extends from the southern parts of Canada to the Eastern United States and even reaches Mexico ^(1^).

Preferred Environment

These arthropods, belonging to the hexapod group, inhabit deciduous woodlands where they rest on low vegetation. Golden-backed snipe flies are typically found close to the ground, often no higher than two feet off the ground ^(2^).

These snipe flies mainly appear in late spring and early summer, and their mating season occurs around late May and early June. However, the exact timing may vary depending on their location within their geographical range ^(3^).

Comparison of Eastern North America Snipe Flies Habitats

Please note that the data for other snipe flies’ habitat preferences is not available.

Physical Features and Identification

Wings and Thorax

The Golden Backed Snipe Fly, also known as Chrysopilus thoracicus, is a species of tabanomorpha flies. They have unique features that help in their identification:

• Striking gold thorax
• White chevrons on their wings
• Wingspan of 10-12 mm

These flies can be found in areas with tall grasses, sedges, and thickets around wetlands, often resting on low vegetation in deciduous woodlands¹.

Eyes and Abdomen

Golden Backed Snipe Flies have distinguishing eye and abdomen features:

• Large and dark-colored compound eyes
• Males have larger eyes than females
• Abdomen with white chevron pattern

These characteristics make it easier to differentiate them from bees or wasps.

Legs and Mouthparts

Golden Backed Snipe Flies exhibit unique leg and mouthpart features:

• Slender and long legs
• Leg segments exhibit contrasting colors
• Mouthparts designed for predation on other insects

With these identifiable features, you can observe Golden Backed Snipe Flies and appreciate their unique appearance.

Life Cycle and Behavior

Reproduction

Golden-backed snipe flies have a breeding season in the late spring and early summer. During this time, males and females mate, with observations often occurring in late May and early June.

Larval Stage

• Females lay eggs in moist soil or rotting wood.
• Larvae are decomposers, feeding on decaying organic matter.

The larvae of the golden-backed snipe fly live in environments with moist soil or rotting wood. They play an essential role as decomposers, breaking down organic matter in their surroundings.

Adult Stage

• Adults are predators, feeding on other insects.
• They have a smoky appearance and golden thorax.
• They are commonly found in deciduous woodlands, often at low heights.

Adult golden-backed snipe flies have a striking appearance, exhibiting a smoky look and golden thorax. This insect is considered a predator, hunting other insects for sustenance. You can typically find them in areas with deciduous woodlands, often resting on low vegetation.

Comparing Larval and Adult Stages

Keep in mind that although it’s well known the adult stage is predatory, the snipe fly’s biting behavior is not confirmed.

Diet and Predatory Nature

Feeding Habits

The Golden Backed Snipe Fly (Chrysopilus thoracicus) belongs to the Family Rhagionidae, which includes various predatory species. These insects have specialized mouthparts adapted for hunting and consuming soft-bodied prey.

In the natural world, Golden Backed Snipe Flies are known to feed on a variety of small organisms. They have been observed consuming nectar, indicating that they partake in a balanced diet that includes both plant and animal matter.

Prey

Golden Backed Snipe Flies are, in some ways, similar to avian snipe as they prey on a range of soft-bodied insects, such as:

• Aphids
• Small caterpillars
• Mosquitoes

Hunting Techniques

These striking insects possess a unique gold thorax and can be seen resting on low vegetation in deciduous woodlands, typically no higher than two feet off the ground. They use this vantage point to actively hunt for unsuspecting prey, blending in with the foliage to avoid detection.

Here is a comparison of their hunting techniques with similar insects:

With their effective predatory nature and ability to blend in with their surroundings, Golden Backed Snipe Flies are fascinating subjects in the study of insect behavior in the Orthorrhapha order.