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Hanging fly

Hanging fly

Empis tessellata

A species of Empis

In its adult stage, hanging fly exhibits a distinctive predatory behavior, using its elongated mouthparts to capture other insects mid-flight. It primarily thrives in habitats ranging from woodlands to grasslands, where it often engages in an intricate aerial dance during courtship. Its diet shifts markedly from larval stages, where it consumes decaying organic matter, to adulthood, when it becomes a skilled aerial hunter.

General Info About Hanging fly
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Attributes of Hanging fly
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
These dance flies can be found on various plants on moist meadows, on forest edges, on clearings and lightly wooded areas.
Adult Food Sources
Other flying insects (capture in flight), nectar from flowers, plant sap, honeydew, sometimes fruit juices
Larva Food Source
Other insect larvae, small invertebrates, organic debris harboring prey, detritus-bound microorganisms, aquatic organisms (if nearby water)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Hanging fly feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
The Hanging fly typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Predators of Hanging fly Larvae
Beetles, ants, wasps, spiders
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Predators of Adult Hanging fly
Birds, spiders, frogs, bats
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Interesting Facts About Hanging fly
Hanging fly performs a unique courtship dance, where the male offers a prey wrapped in silk to the female as a nuptial gift.
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Scientific Classification of Hanging fly
Class
Bugs
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Order
Flies
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Genus
Empis
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Tips for Finding Hanging fly
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Youth Habitat of Hanging fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Hanging fly
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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How Can You Attract Hanging fly
Depending on the stage of life, the preferred bait might include decaying organic matter for larvae or sweet substances and smaller insects for adults.
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Habitat Preferences of Hanging fly Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of hanging fly are typically deposited in moist soil or decaying organic matter. As the larvae hatch, they reside in similar habitats, feeding on decaying vegetation or small insects. The searching process might include carefully turning over soil and decaying logs. Pupae often remain buried near the surface of their larval feeding grounds, so lightly excavating such areas could yield sightings. Adult hanging fly, meanwhile, are commonly found hovering in sunny, open areas or near vegetation, where they hunt for prey or seek mates. Observers wishing to locate adults should visit meadows, forest edges, or gardens during warm, clear days, focusing on areas where flowers are abundant.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Hanging fly
Late spring to early summer when adults are active and mating, or after rainfall when larvae tend to come to the surface.
Are Hanging fly harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Hanging fly
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Smell, Shape
Hanging fly assists in pollination primarily by consuming pollen. While feeding, pollen grains stick to the insect's body and are subsequently transferred to other flowers, facilitating cross-pollination. This inadvertent pollen transfer is crucial for the reproduction of many plants.
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Hanging fly is an adept aerial hunter, capturing small insects mid-flight with remarkable precision. These insects consume their prey as a primary source of nourishment throughout their adult and larval stages. Interestingly, hanging fly's larvae are also predacious, rooting in the soil to ambush unsuspecting subterranean victims.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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