Dance-fly
Guides
Anthalia bulbosa
Anthalia bulbosa is a species of hybotid dance fly described by Melander in 1902. It belongs to the family Hybotidae, a group of predatory flies commonly known as dance flies. The species has been documented in North America and shows a notable association with flowers of Prunus serotina (black cherry).
Anthepiscopus
Anthepiscopus is a genus of small flies originally described by Becker in 1891. It is currently treated as a synonym of Iteaphila within the family Iteaphilidae, though some sources still list it under Empididae. The genus contains at least two described species, including A. caelebs (the type species) and A. antipodus. These flies are found in Europe and northern North America.
Brachystoma occidentale
Brachystoma occidentale is a species of dance fly in the family Brachystomatidae, first described by Melander in 1902. The species name "occidentale" refers to its western distribution in North America. Dance flies in this family are predatory as adults and are commonly found in moist habitats near streams and wetlands. Limited observational data exists for this species, with 27 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Chersodromia inchoata
Chersodromia inchoata is a species of dance fly in the family Hybotidae, described by Melander in 1906. It belongs to the subfamily Tachydromiinae and tribe Drapetini. The genus Chersodromia comprises small, predatory flies often found in moist, shaded habitats. Records for this species remain sparse, with limited observational data available.
Chersodromia insignita
Chersodromia insignita is a species of hybotid dance fly described by Melander in 1945. It belongs to the family Hybotidae, a group of predatory flies commonly known as dance flies. The species is known only from California, with very few documented observations.
Cixius yufengi
Cixius yufengi is a species of planthopper in the family Cixiidae, described by Tsaur in 1993. The species belongs to a genus of small, often inconspicuous insects that feed on plant sap. Very little specific information is available about this particular species.
planthopperCixiidaeCalifornia-endemicTsaur-1993AuchenorrhynchaFulgoromorphasap-feederHemipterainsectarthropodHexapodaAnimaliaEukaryotaDelphacoideaCixiinaeCixiiniCixiusspeciesacceptedGBIFCatalogue-of-LifetaxonomydistributionCaliforniaUSAUnited-StatesNorth-Americaendemicinvertebratehemipterantrue-bugbuginsectaanimalhexapodeukaryotearthropodacixius-yufengiyufengiTsaur1993scientific-namecanonical-nameauthorshiprankstatusgenusspecific-epithetclassificationtaxonomy-matchexactkingdomphylumclassorderfamilydistribution-recordsBuglifeendemic-speciesBritish-endemicsIvell's-Sea-AnemoneEdwardsia-ivelliWidewater-LagoonSussexextinctlikely-extinctnot-seen-in-over-forty-years19731983dance-flyPoecilobothrus-majesticusEssex1907Caledonian-PlanthopperCixius-caledonicusnot-seen-for-70-yearsManx-Shearwater-FleaCeratophyllus-fionnus1960sTurk's-Earth-CentipedeNothogeophilus-turkiIsles-of-ScillyIsle-of-Wight1988never-seen-againconservationJames-Harding-MorrisbookBritish-endemic-invertebratesCraig-MacadamCeltic-WoodlouseMetatrichoniscoides-celticusWaleswestern-fringes-of-England1980sChater's-BristletailDilta-chateriiridescentjumping-powers1990sLundy-Cabbage-Flea-BeetlePsylliodes-luridipennisLundy-IslandDevonco-endemismLundy-Cabbageendemic-plantLundy-Cabbage-WeevilCeutorhynchus-contractus-pallipestaxonomic-uncertaintyHorrid-Ground-weaverNothophantes-horridusPlymouthdevelopmentNorthern-February-Red-StoneflyBrachyptera-putataScotlanddrummingabdomen-tappingBritish-Cave-ShrimpNiphargus-glennieiblindghostly-palecavesdamp-rock-fissurestemporary-puddleshumid-cavesrediscoveredprotectedsurvivalconservation-prioritiesglobal-responsibilityevolutionary-twistsecological-intriguehopenatural-heritageBack-from-the-BrinkRSPBBig-Garden-BirdwatchBSBINew-Year-Plant-Huntplantswildlifenaturecommunicationspublic-engagementcampaignsrare-speciesobscure-speciesoverlooked-speciesirreplaceable-specieslocal-wondersglobal-stakesisolationthousands-of-yearsmillions-of-yearsevolutionlandscapesRed-SquirrelHedgehogEuropeshared-speciesnowhere-elseno-backupno-second-chancescelebrationprotectioncherishrecogniseawarenesshabitat-protectionresearchforgotten-creaturesspotlightslipping-through-the-cracksunknown-to-publicrarely-surveyedbarely-hanging-onalready-goneuncomfortable-truthimportant-speciesleast-knownstrangedeeply-unsettlingsole-global-responsibilitylose-them-everywhereorganisationsfighting-to-changeextraordinary-workrarestmost-threatenedentirely-overlookedforgottenevolvedstep-with-Britain's-landscapesfamiliar-speciesshare-with-Europepopulation-overseasreintroducelose-themwrittenjourneyoverlookedirreplaceablefound-nowhere-else-on-Earthcall-to-recogniseprotectuniquely-oursavailable-nowbooksellersspecies-found-nowhere-else-on-Earthpassionate-nature-enthusiastlifelong-loveexploringnatural-worldtrekkingmountainsrare-flowersscouringfenselusive-mothsinvestigatingexotic-invertebrateshothousesfascinationunwaveringprofessional-lifeconservation-sectorhigh-impact-campaignsinspiredEngland's-rarestmost-obscure-speciesmissionBritain-and-Irelandfall-in-love-with-plantsSHAREFacebookLinkedInguest-blogauthorhow-many-speciesfound-only-in-Britainsimple-questioncomprehensive-listresearchingwriting2022referenceburied-in-booksscattered-across-internettucked-awayminds-of-species-expertsresultover-700-speciesat-least-another-100-subspeciesoccur-nowhere-else-on-Earthtotal-global-responsibilityvery-few-peoplename-even-a-single-onestruckmost-irreplaceable-specieslive-or-diedecisions-made-within-our-borderstop-of-conservation-prioritiescelebratedunderstoodset-outtell-their-storiesunique-invertebratesincredibly-fortunateBuglife's-Conservation-Directorfirst-timecompiling-report20-speciesfive-species-of-flyfour-species-of-beetletwo-stonefliesone-eachwoodlousecentipedemillipedefleabristletailspidershrimpsea-anemonetell-storiesgo-out-and-find-thempicked-fivetrack-downbumped-intocouple-moresearched-under-coastal-rocksexquisitepearly-translucenttiny-speciesbarely-2.5mm-longfirst-discoveredknown-only-from-Walesnearbysearched-dampferny-woodlandsalien-lookingastonishing-jumping-powersnamed-new-to-sciencetravelledDevon's-Lundy-Islandtry-and-seeparticularly-rare-pairingonly-known-exampleendemic-beetlepossibly-endemicspend-their-liveswintry-visitsearchelusive-and-threatenedfound-in-just-a-few-siteswithin-the-cityperpetually-under-pressureowes-its-survivaltireless-effortsguided-tourprime-Northern-February-Red-Stoneflyhabitatblew-my-mindmusical-prowessstoneflies-'drum'tapping-their-abdomensslithering-through-tightmuddyunderground-tunnelspersonal-favouriteutterly-gorgeousspends-its-lifechance-searchDevon-coastfirst-sightingalmost-thirty-yearsones-we've-lostimmediately-drawnonly-ever-knownunfortunatelyCraig's-reporthasn't-been-seenover-forty-yearsfirst-collectedlast-seenwithin-a-decadeknowing-this-species-existedgone-foreversadlynot-uncommon-themeendemic-invertebratesdiscoveredhasn't-been-foundover-a-century70-yearsdon't-think-anyonespottedsince-the-1960snot-long-afterfirst-describedfirst-foundstrange-and-uncomfortable-truthsome-of-the-most-important-speciesalso-some-of-the-least-knownby-definitionBritain's-sole-global-responsibilitylose-them-heredespite-that-significancethankfullyorganisations-fightingraising-awarenessrarest-and-most-threatenedotherwise-remainleading-edge-researchevolved-in-stepBritain's-landscapesthousandsunlike-more-familiar-speciesno-population-overseasnowhere-to-reintroducewhy-I-wrote-Endemicutterly-uniquemosseswoodlicebeetlesbuttercupsstories-full-ofright-attentionactionstill-be-savedheld-onpossiblewithin-our-reachall-good-booksellersoverlooked-and-irreplaceableBacks-Goldilocks-ButtercupHeather-StuckeyAbout-the-Authortrekking-up-mountainsscouring-fensinvestigating-exotic-invertebratesfascination-with-wildlifeRSPB's-Big-Garden-BirdwatchBSBI's-New-Year-Plant-HuntBack-from-the-Brink-projectcare-deeplycurrentlyensure-everyoneopportunitywork-with-BSBISHARE-ONClinocera lineata
Clinocera lineata is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1862. It belongs to the subfamily Clinocerinae, a group of predatory flies often associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The genus Clinocera comprises species commonly known as dance flies due to their characteristic swarming behavior during mating. Information regarding the specific biology and ecology of C. lineata is limited in available sources.
Dolichocephala argus
Dolichocephala argus is a species of dance fly (family Empididae), first described by Melander in 1928. Dance flies in this family are predatory flies known for their distinctive aerial mating swarms. The genus Dolichocephala is classified within the subfamily Clinocerinae. Available records for this species are sparse, with limited observational data documented.
Empis
dance fly
Empis is a genus of dance flies in the family Empididae, established by Linnaeus in 1758. The genus contains numerous species across several subgenera, including Enolempis. Males of some species exhibit distinctive morphological modifications, such as enlarged teeth on the hind leg femora, which are sexually dimorphic and not present in females. The genus is notable for complex mating behaviors including swarming and nuptial gift exchange.
Empis geneatis
dance fly
Empis geneatis is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, first described by Melander in 1902. It belongs to the subgenus Enolempis within the genus Empis. Males of this species exhibit distinctive leg modifications: an opposing pair of large teeth on each side of the "knee" joint on the hind leg, a character absent in females. The species is part of a diverse group of predatory flies known for their elaborate courtship behaviors.
Empis leptogastra
dance fly
Empis leptogastra is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, first described by Loew in 1863. It belongs to the genus 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 behaviors involving swarming and prey presentation by males to females.
Empis tridentata
Empis tridentata is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, first described by Coquillett in 1901. The species is distinguished by a distinctive trident-shaped gray marking on the thorax. Like other empidids, adults are predatory and exhibit complex mating behaviors involving swarming and nuptial gift exchange. The species name refers to the three-pointed thoracic marking that serves as a key diagnostic feature.
Hilara lutea
Hilara lutea is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1863. As a member of the genus Hilara, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors where males present nuptial gifts to females. The species epithet 'lutea' (Latin for 'yellow' or 'golden-yellow') likely refers to coloration. Empidid flies are generally small to medium-sized predatory insects found in diverse habitats, with larvae typically developing in soil, decaying organic matter, or aquatic environments.
Hilara umbrosa
Hilara umbrosa is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1862. It belongs to the genus Hilara, a diverse group of predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors involving swarming and nuptial gift presentation. The species is part of the subfamily Empidinae and tribe Hilarini. Limited observational data exists for this species, with only 13 documented observations on iNaturalist as of the available sources.
Hybos reversus
dance fly
Hybos reversus is a species of dance fly in the family Hybotidae, originally described by Francis Walker in 1849. Like other hybotids, adults are predatory and seize prey with their forelegs. The species is part of a diverse group of small, predatory flies once classified within Empididae but now recognized as a distinct family. Larval biology remains poorly documented, as is typical for most hybotid species.
Phyllodromia americana
Phyllodromia americana is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Melander in 1947. As a member of the tribe Chelipodini within the subfamily Empidinae, this species belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies commonly known as dance flies due to their distinctive swarming behavior during mating. The genus Phyllodromia is characterized by specific morphological adaptations, though detailed biological information for this particular species remains limited in available literature.
Platypalpus
dance fly, hybotid dance fly
Platypalpus is a large genus of hybotid dance flies comprising at least 580 described species worldwide, with over 200 species in Europe alone. These small predatory flies are characterized by their compact bodies, enlarged compound eyes that occupy most of the head, and raptorial front legs adapted for seizing prey. Adults are active predators that feed on small insects, while larvae occupy diverse microhabitats including leaf litter, soil, and aquatic environments. The genus has been documented in agricultural ecosystems, particularly cereal crops and greenhouses, where they may contribute to pest regulation.
Platypalpus discifer
hybotid dance fly
Platypalpus discifer is a species of hybotid dance fly first described by Loew in 1863. As a member of the family Hybotidae, it belongs to a group of small predatory flies formerly classified within Empididae. The genus Platypalpus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a small spherical head relative to body size. Like other hybotids, this species is predatory as an adult and is associated with specific microhabitats for feeding.
Platypalpus flammifer
dance fly
Platypalpus flammifer is a species of hybotid dance fly described by Melander in 1924. Like other members of the family Hybotidae, it is a small predatory fly. The genus Platypalpus is part of the subfamily Tachydromiinae within Hybotidae. Very few specific observations of this species have been documented.
Platypalpus harpiger
Platypalpus harpiger is a species of hybotid dance fly described by Melander in 1924. It belongs to the family Hybotidae, a group of predatory flies formerly classified within Empididae. Hybotid dance flies are small, active predators that occupy diverse microhabitats and are known for their distinctive mating swarms. Very little specific information has been published about the biology of this particular species.
Platypalpus holosericus
Platypalpus holosericus is a small predatory fly in the family Hybotidae, commonly known as hybotid dance flies. The species was described by Melander in 1924. Like other members of the genus Platypalpus, it likely occupies specific feeding niches and exhibits the characteristic predatory behavior of the family. Adults are known to seize prey with modified front legs and use extraoral digestion.
Platypalpus mesogrammus
hybotid dance fly
Platypalpus mesogrammus is a small predatory fly in the family Hybotidae, commonly known as hybotid dance flies. Like other members of its genus, it is characterized by a diminutive spherical head and enlarged compound eyes that dominate the visual profile. The species was described by Loew in 1863 and is one of many poorly studied dance flies with limited documented natural history.
Rhamphomyia brevis
Rhamphomyia brevis is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, first described by Hermann Loew in 1861. The species is placed in the subgenus Pararhamphomyia within the genus Rhamphomyia. Dance flies in this family are characterized by complex mating behaviors involving nuptial gifts, though specific details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Rhamphomyia gilvipes
Rhamphomyia gilvipes is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1861. The species belongs to the subgenus Eorhamphomyia within the genus Rhamphomyia. Dance flies in this genus are known for their distinctive courtship behaviors and sexual selection dynamics. The specific epithet 'gilvipes' refers to yellowish or tawny legs.
Rhamphomyia luteiventris
Rhamphomyia luteiventris is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, first described by Loew in 1864. As a member of the genus Rhamphomyia, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies known for their distinctive courtship behaviors. The species epithet 'luteiventris' refers to a yellowish or orange-yellow abdomen. Like other empidid flies, it is presumed to be predatory in both adult and larval stages, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Rhamphomyia nana
Rhamphomyia nana is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, first described by Loew in 1861. The species is currently accepted as valid, though it has been treated as a synonym in some taxonomic works. As a member of the genus Rhamphomyia, it belongs to a group known for complex courtship behaviors involving nuptial gifts.
Rhamphomyia nasoni
dance fly
Rhamphomyia nasoni is a species of dance fly in the family 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 nuptial gift-giving behaviors characteristic of the genus, though specific behavioral details for this species remain poorly documented.
Rhamphomyia sudigeronis
Rhamphomyia sudigeronis is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, first described by Coquillett in 1895. As a member of the genus Rhamphomyia, it belongs to a group of predatory flies known for elaborate courtship behaviors involving nuptial gifts. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though detailed biological information specific to this species remains limited.
Rhamphomyia testacea
Rhamphomyia testacea is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1862. It belongs to the subgenus Eorhamphomyia within the genus Rhamphomyia. Dance flies in this genus are known for their distinctive courtship behaviors involving nuptial gifts. The species is poorly documented in modern literature, with minimal observation records available.
Rhamphomyia vittata
Rhamphomyia vittata is a species of dance fly in the family Empididae, described by Loew in 1862. It belongs to the large genus Rhamphomyia, which contains many species known for their distinctive courtship behaviors involving nuptial gifts. Like other members of this genus, males likely present food gifts to females during mating. The species is part of the subgenus Pararhamphomyia.
Symballophthalmus masoni
Symballophthalmus masoni is a species of hybotid dance fly in the family Hybotidae, described by Chillcott in 1958. It belongs to the subfamily Tachydromiinae and tribe Symballophthalmini. The species is known from the United States. As a member of the Hybotidae, it is likely a predatory fly, though specific ecological details remain undocumented in the available literature.
Syneches rufus
Syneches rufus is a species of hybotid dance fly (family Hybotidae), a group of small predatory flies known for their distinctive dancing flight behavior. The species was described by Loew in 1861 and is known to occur in the United States. As a member of the Hybotidae, it likely shares the family's characteristic predatory habits, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited.
Syneches simplex
Syneches simplex is a species of hybotid dance fly in the family Hybotidae, first described by Walker in 1852. It belongs to the order Diptera, which includes true flies. The species has been documented across Canada and the United States based on available distribution records.