Picture-winged Fly

Gardens, woodlands, and damp areas with decaying organic matter across North America.

Larvae feed on decaying plant matter; adults feed on organic fluids such as nectar, sap, or fluids from decomposing vegetation.

Notable for their unique wing-waving behavior, they move their patterned wings in rotating motions to communicate and deter predators. They are often mistaken for fruit flies due to wing patterns.

Generally harmless to humans and are not known to transmit diseases. They provide ecosystem benefits as decomposers of organic material.