Empididae
- Pronunciation
- /em-PID-ih-dee/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Empididae
Definition
A large of predatory flies (order , superfamily ) comprising over 3,000 described worldwide. Members are generally small to medium-sized, non-metallic, and notably bristly, with diverse body forms united by predatory habits. The family is most diverse in the Holarctic region.
Full guide
Read the full Empididae guide for identification, examples, and taxonomy.
Etymology
Example
Empididae includes the dagger flies, named for the prominent piercing mouthparts used to subdue small prey such as and other soft-bodied insects.
Synonyms
- dagger flies
- balloon flies
Related Terms
- Empidoidea
- Diptera
- Brachycera
- Asilidae
- predatory fly
- dance fly
Usage Notes
Empididae is distinguished from the closely related () by generally shorter legs, more bristly bodies, and less metallic coloration. The 'balloon flies' refers to courtship in some where males present silk-wrapped prey gifts to females. Identification to species often requires examination of male genitalia and wing venation. The is sometimes split into (e.g., Empidinae, Hemerodromiinae, Clinocerinae) with varying ecological preferences—some associated with running water, others with forest floors or aerial hunting.