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Dance flies mating

Empis sp.

Photo by Brian38
Published on Project Noah
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47.3097, -122.319

Field Notes

Description:

This is the finale act in the amazing courtship ritual of the dance fly (aka the Dagger fly). A nuptial gift is given to the female to consume from the male. One of the thoughts here is this behavior will distract the female and control her aggressive behavior long enough for mating. (The male Black widow spider should try employing this).

Habitat:

Spotted on a plum tree in my backyard.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)

Photo No. 1: is a very remarkable, and a very educational photo....
Two, very beautiful, and very interesting photos....

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