The federal government has designated almost 9,000 acres on five islands as a critical habitat for endangered and threatened picture-wing fly species.

This accompanies a 2006 move by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to classify 11 picture-wing fly species as endangered and one as threatened.

Picture-wing flies are about two to three times the size of common house flies. They're named for the intricate markings on their clear wings.

They're known for elaborate performances when protecting their territory or courting a mate.

Federal agencies must consult the Fish and Wildlife service before doing anything in critical habitat lands that might hurt the picture-wing fly.

The habitats are on Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Molokai and Kauai.