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Long-Tailed Dance Fly

Rhamphomyia longicauda

Photo by beaker98
Published on Project Noah
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41.3816, -89.6902

Field Notes

Description:

Habitat:

Woodland habitat

Notes:

I've never seen such a bizarre fly! These were everywhere in the under brush this morning and very difficult to get close to. Their tiny heads made me laugh a bit, but very excited to find another first spotting. This is a female.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (10)

anyone know why snails have such were mating rituals?
I just found another article detailing the mating ritual. It appears that deception is pretty common with both genders in the process! I'll post this link under Reference. http://www.cirrusimage.com/flies_dance_Rhamphomyia.htm
the insect world is fascinating!! Great link!! Must read too!.
Thanks David and Luis! I was surprised to learn that these are the females. I guess I just stereotyped nature a bit assuming these would be the males:)
Hema Shah, you just made me laugh:) Thanks. On that note, I found an interesting description in the comments of a Bugguide page if you are interested in what they really do: http://bugguide.net/node/view/8949
Thanks Rob! I think this is one of my favorite pics this year just because it is so odd. Those legs are something out of a sci-fi movie.
what does it do? Tap,Samba,twist,...........
Awesome shot Bill, indeed such a bizarre fly.

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