About Common Thick-headed Fly
A distinctive orange-brown fly with a disproportionately large, inflated head and a curved abdomen. It perches conspicuously on flowers waiting to intercept passing bumblebees.
Did You Know?
The parasitized bumblebee eventually dies and buries itself in the ground, where the fly larva pupates inside the bee.
How to Identify Common Thick-headed Fly
Common Thick-headed Fly (Sicus ferrugineus) belongs to the order Diptera, family Conopidae. Adults typically measure 8-12 mm.
Common Thick-headed Fly Habitat
Common Thick-headed Fly is found in underground habitats, particularly across Europe. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Common Thick-headed Fly Diet and Feeding
Common Thick-headed Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers. In doing so, it acts as an important pollinator, transferring pollen between plants and contributing to plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Where Is Common Thick-headed Fly Found?
Common Thick-headed Fly can be found in Europe, where it inhabits underground environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Common Thick-headed Fly can be found
Is Common Thick-headed Fly Dangerous?
Common Thick-headed Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Common Thick-headed Fly Role in Nature
Common Thick-headed Fly plays an important role as a pollinator. By visiting flowers to feed on nectar or pollen, it transfers pollen between plants, aiding in reproduction and helping to maintain plant diversity. Pollinators are essential for the production of many fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Thick-headed Fly
What does Common Thick-headed Fly look like?
The Common Thick-headed Fly typically measures 8-12 mm.
Where is Common Thick-headed Fly found?
The Common Thick-headed Fly is found in Europe and typically inhabits underground environments.
What does Common Thick-headed Fly eat?
The Common Thick-headed Fly feeds primarily on nectar from flowers.
Is Common Thick-headed Fly dangerous to humans?
The Common Thick-headed Fly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Common Thick-headed Fly?
The parasitized bumblebee eventually dies and buries itself in the ground, where the fly larva pupates inside the bee.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Common Thick-headed Fly (Sicus ferrugineus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/common-thick-headed-fly
MLA:
"Common Thick-headed Fly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/common-thick-headed-fly.