Empididae

Common Name

Dance Flies

Overview

Empididae, commonly known as dance flies, are a diverse family of flies within the order Diptera. They are renowned for their complex mating behaviors and a unique ecological role as both predators and pollinators.

Taxonomy

Key Characteristics

  • Slender, elongated bodies often with bristles or hairs.
  • Legs are often long and spindly.
  • Large, prominent compound eyes.
  • Complex and diverse wing venation.
  • Mouthparts adapted for piercing and sucking.

Life Cycle

  1. Egg: Laid in moist environments or within plant tissue.
  2. Larva: Predatory, feeding on small invertebrates or detritus.
  3. Pupa: Enclosed in a cocoon in soil or leaf litter.
  4. Adult: Emerges with fully developed wings for mating and feeding.

Behavior and Ecology

Empididae are often spotted engaging in aerial mating dances, hence their common name. Males present nuptial gifts to attract females. They feed on small insects, contributing to their role as natural pest controllers. Some species also visit flowers, inadvertently aiding in pollination.

Notable Species

  • Empis livida – Known for its courtship rituals where males offer wrapped prey to females.
  • Rhamphomyia longicauda – Remarkable for its unusually long hind legs and elaborate mating dances.

Conservation

Most species within the Empididae family are not currently under threat, though habitat destruction could pose risks in the future. Their presence in ecosystems is often an indicator of ecological health.

Significance to Humans

Dance flies help in controlling pest populations and some species contribute to pollination, aiding agricultural systems. Their fascinating mating behaviors also make them subjects of various scientific studies.

Fun Facts

  • Some males present inedible items wrapped in silk as nuptial gifts to deceive females.
  • Dance flies can often be seen in swarms performing intricate mating dances.
  • The family name "Empididae" is derived from the Greek word "empis," meaning "gnat."
  • Females of some species have been observed to favor males that bring larger prey gifts, influencing male hunting behavior.
  • Many species exhibit sexual dimorphism, where males and females have noticeably different physical characteristics.