Empidoid-flies
Guides
Meghyperus nitidus
Meghyperus nitidus is a species of true fly in the family Atelestidae, described by Melander in 1902. The genus Meghyperus belongs to the subfamily Atelestinae within this small family of Diptera. Atelestidae is a family of empidoid flies, and species in this group are generally poorly known with limited biological information available. The specific epithet 'nitidus' refers to a shiny or polished appearance, though this has not been explicitly documented for this species.
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.