Wing-waving-behavior
Guides
Rivellia flavimana
Rivellia flavimana is a species of signal fly in the family Platystomatidae, first described by Loew in 1873. As a member of the genus Rivellia, it belongs to a group of small to medium-sized flies known for their distinctive wing-waving behavior and patterned wings used in intraspecific communication. The species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature.
Rivellia quadrifasciata
soybean nodule fly
Rivellia quadrifasciata, commonly known as the soybean nodule fly, is a signal fly in the family Platystomatidae. The species is native to eastern North America, where it originally fed on tick trefoil (Desmodium spp.) before adapting to cultivated legumes. Larvae feed on nitrogen-fixing root nodules of host plants, including soybean, cowpea, and common bean. Despite this feeding habit, the species causes only minor economic damage due to the compensatory growth abilities of soybean. Adults are characterized by their distinctive wing-waving behavior, which gives the family its common name.
Sepsidae
black scavenger flies, ensign flies
Sepsidae is a family of small, slender flies in the order Diptera, commonly known as black scavenger flies or ensign flies. The family contains over 300 described species worldwide. Adults are typically found on mammal excrement, decaying animal and plant material, and carrion, where they feed and oviposit. Many species exhibit a distinctive wing-waving behavior while walking. The family plays a significant ecological role as decomposers and has forensic and hygienic relevance due to their association with feces and decaying matter.
Sepsis
black scavenger flies, ensign flies
Sepsis is a genus of small flies in the family Sepsidae, commonly known as black scavenger flies or ensign flies. These flies are characterized by their distinctive wing-waving behavior and association with decaying organic matter. The genus contains numerous species distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Adults are typically black with silvery or metallic markings and possess a characteristic humpbacked appearance.