Hanging fly (Empis tessellata)

🪰 Hanging Fly (Empis tessellata)

The Hanging Fly, Empis tessellata, is a curious-looking insect from the Empididae family, commonly referred to as dance flies. Despite its name, it’s not a true fly or a scorpionfly but shares some visual features with both. This species is known for its distinctive predatory behavior, unique mating rituals, and somewhat sinister appearance, with long legs and a prominent proboscis.

🔍 Identification

• Size: About 8–12 mm in length
• Body: Slender, dark brown to black with fine hairs
• Wings: Transparent with dark veins, often held outstretched when perched
• Legs: Long and dangling—especially the hind legs, giving it its name
• Head: Large, with a long, forward-pointing proboscis used for piercing and feeding on other insects

🌍 Distribution & Habitat

• Range: Widespread across Europe, including the British Isles
• Habitat:
  • Hedgerows, woodland edges, meadows, and gardens
  • Often found on or near flowering plants, particularly in spring and early summer

🧬 Behavior & Ecology

• Predatory:
  • Feeds on small insects, which it captures with its legs and pierces using its proboscis
  • Often seen hanging upside down from vegetation while feeding or waiting for prey
• Mating:
  • Famous for their nuptial gift-giving behavior
  • Males capture prey and offer it to females as a gift—the female typically feeds on it during mating
  • This behavior is thought to reduce the risk of rejection or cannibalism by the female

🌼 Role in the Ecosystem

• Acts as both pollinator and predator
• Helps control small insect populations
• Attracted to nectar-rich flowers and may assist in pollination while feeding

⚠️ Interaction with Humans

• Completely harmless to humans
• Often overlooked due to its small size and cryptic behavior
• Does not sting or bite people

🌟 Fun Facts

• The name “hanging fly” comes from its behavior of suspending itself by its legs while eating or mating
• Part of a group known as dance flies, named for their mating swarms
• Its long legs and hovering flight give it a spindly, otherworldly appearance

🧭 Summary

The Hanging Fly (Empis tessellata) may look like a miniature creature from a gothic novel, but it’s a fascinating and harmless insect with a unique lifestyle. With its romantic gift-giving, predatory habits, and graceful flight, it plays a subtle but important role in maintaining the balance of nature in meadows and woodlands. A tiny hunter with an elegant flair.

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