Empidoidea

Dance Flies, Long-legged Flies, and Allies

Family Guides

Atelestidae
Brachystomatidae
Dolichopodidae(long-legged flies)
Empididae(dance flies)
Hybotidae(typical dance flies)
Oreogetonidae

is a large monophyletic superfamily of true flies (Diptera) comprising approximately 10,000 described across all continents except Antarctica. As the sister to Muscomorpha (), these two groups are sometimes united in the unranked taxon . The superfamily includes several well-known : Empididae (dagger flies and balloon flies), Dolichopodidae (long-legged flies), and Hybotidae (dance flies). The group has existed since the Jurassic period and has been subject to extensive phylogenetic revision, particularly following molecular studies in 2018 that reshaped relationships among constituent families.

Damaeus by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.

Epidermoptidae by (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet. Used under a CC-BY license.

Psoroptidae by (c) Oleksii Vasyliuk, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleksii Vasyliuk. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Empidoidea: /ˌɛmpɪˈdɔɪdiːə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

can be distinguished from other Diptera by the combination of large that often cover most of the surface, and wing venation that frequently includes a well-developed anal lobe and/or a small but distinct anal . Members lack the ptilinal fissure characteristic of . are typically aristate with three segments. The superfamily is morphologically diverse, with ranging from the elongate-legged Dolichopodidae to the more compact Hybotidae.

Images

Habitat

The majority of are associated with moist, temperate . Many have involving freshwater environments. Specific habitat preferences vary considerably among , with some groups found in agricultural systems such as winter wheat fields.

Distribution

occurs on all continents except Antarctica, with representation in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres including Chile, Tibet, and Nearctic regions. The superfamily has a global distribution spanning diverse biogeographic regions.

Diet

The majority of are predatory, feeding on other small arthropods. Hybotidae in particular have been documented as predatory in agricultural systems.

Behavior

Several exhibit elaborate mating rituals that have attracted interest from ethologists. Many species have involving freshwater . Specific behavioral details vary widely among and remain poorly documented for many groups.

Ecological Role

As predominantly predatory insects, function as of other small arthropods in their . Hybotidae have been studied as components of predator in agricultural .

Human Relevance

has significant scientific importance for studies of dipteran and evolution, with the group serving as a key lineage for understanding relationships among higher flies. Some are subjects of ethological research due to their complex mating . The group is taxonomically active with ongoing species description and revision.

Similar Taxa

Cyclorrhapha (Muscomorpha)Sister to ; distinguished by presence of ptilinal fissure used for from , and generally different wing venation patterns. Empidoidea lacks the and associated .
AsilomorphaAnother major clade of predatory ; Asilomorpha includes robber flies (Asilidae) and related , which differ in body plan, wing venation, and typically have a more robust, stout-bodied appearance compared to the generally more slender .