This tiny fly is approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) in length. The wings are a tan color with blue, black and white spots, and an intricate pattern of black and white lines on the outer edges. The abdomen is a tan – orange color with round tan spots bordered in a darker cinnamon color. The thorax has rows of lengthwise cinnamon spots. The eyes vary in color from blue to light brown with a checkerboard pattern of black spots.
Look for these little flies on thistle plants in summer.
There are about 300 species of fruit flies and 55 genera in North America. The intricately patterned wings are said to resemble the legs of jumping spiders, a predator of these flies. The constant wingwaving is believed to deter the spiders from attacking them.
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