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Dance fly
Empis sp.
40.5398, -3.68401
Field Notes
Description:
Small fly from the Empidae family.
This family contains more than 1600 described species, with the genus Empis containing about 460 species.
The head is more or less spherical, with a visible neck; eyes large, often restricting the face. Proboscis well developed and rigid, and often wielded with abandon by these little predators.
Several of the Empis species are "balloon makers." That is, the male flies capture an insect and enclose it in a frothy bag. The male carries this package around with him as a lure to entice the female to mate. (Females of many species seem to require something of this sort. Wonder if a "bug balloon" would work with H. sapiens?) Some species dispense with the froth. Empis barbatoides males capture little insects, usually weaker flies like bibionids (March flies), and dangle them in front of females as a preface to courtship. Others trick their intended with an empty ball of silk.
The larvae (of all empidids, not just Empis) have been found in decaying vegetable matter and in aquatic associations, or under the bark of trees.
Habitat:
Holm oak and pine tree forest
Notes:
Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/320 sec.; f/32; ISO Speed Rating: 800. Exposure Bias: +2/3 EV. Focal Length: 300.0 mm.
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