Hunter Fly
Coenosia attenuata
The adult is a small predatory fly often found perched on leaves in greenhouses, gardens, and field margins. It watches for passing insects, then launches suddenly to catch prey such as fungus gnats, whiteflies, and other small flies in mid-air. Rather than feeding on nectar like many flies, it pierces captured prey with its mouthparts. Its forward-facing predatory habits have made it useful as a natural enemy of greenhouse pests.
- Type
- Wing
- Conservation status
- NE
Growth chain
- ?
- ?
- Hunter Fly