Empis leptogastra
Loew, 1863
dance fly
Empis leptogastra is a of dance fly in the Empididae, first described by Loew in 1863. It belongs to the Empis, one of the largest genera within the family. The species has been documented through a limited number of observations, with 19 records in iNaturalist. Dance flies in this genus are known for distinctive courtship involving swarming and prey presentation by males to females.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Empis leptogastra: //ˈɛmpɪs lɛptoʊˈɡæstrə//
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Identification
Males of Empis leptogastra possess a highly distinctive morphological feature: an opposing pair of large teeth on each side of the "knee" joint (femoro-tibial joint) of the hind leg. This character is absent in females. The presence of these leg modifications places the within the subgenus Enolempis (or Xanthempis, depending on classification system used).
Behavior
Males have been observed using their modified hind legs in , a trait common to many Empis where males present prey gifts to females during mating.
Similar Taxa
- Other Empis speciesOver fifty exist in the subgenus Enolempis/Xanthempis, requiring detailed examination of leg and other morphological characters for definitive identification.
More Details
Taxonomic status
Catalogue of Life lists Empis leptogastra as a synonym, while GBIF treats it as accepted. This discrepancy suggests ongoing taxonomic revision or differing interpretations of boundaries within the .