Rhamphomyia nasoni
Coquillett, 1895
dance fly
Rhamphomyia nasoni is a of dance fly in the Empididae, first described by Coquillett in 1895. The species has been documented in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area during spring citizen science events. Like other dance flies, it is likely associated with aerial mating swarms and -giving characteristic of the , though specific behavioral details for this species remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhamphomyia nasoni: //ræmˈfoʊ.miˌaɪ.ə ˈneɪ.soʊˌnaɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Distribution
Documented from Leavenworth County, Kansas, and Platte County, Missouri, within the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The broader geographic range is insufficiently documented beyond these observations.
Seasonality
Active in late April, based on observations during the City Nature Challenge events in 2024 and 2025.
Human Relevance
Documented through citizen science initiatives, particularly the City Nature Challenge, contributing to urban biodiversity records. No other documented human interactions.
Similar Taxa
- Rhamphomyia longicaudaBoth are dance flies in the same , but R. longicauda is distinguished by the female's dramatically elongated and leg used as sexual ornaments—features not mentioned for R. nasoni. R. longicauda has been studied extensively for its reversed sex roles and female abdominal inflation during courtship.