Balloon Fly
Hilara maura
This record describes Hilara maura (species). Recorded family: Empididae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
3-4.5mm. Dark grey with few bristles on the thorax and legs. Males have distinctly dilated front tarsi which lack the long hairs seen in some other species. The thorax has three indistinct dark stripes which appear as one broad black stripe when viewed from behind. with thorax very distinctly grey on each side of it. There are around 60 British species in this genus and identification is difficult, for this reason images placed in red boxes can only be said to be representative of Hilara maura . A specimen must be keyed, it isn't possible to confirm the species from a general image. Can be seen swarming over water and marshy areas in the summer months. In the insect world males often present the females with a prenuptial gift of food, usually a small fly, but the males of the Hilara spp. go one step further and gift wrap the present in silk that is exuded from the swollen glands on their front legs. While the female is pre-occupied with unwrapping her present, the male takes the opportunity to mate.
Wikipedia reference for Hilara maura: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilara_maura.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Can be seen swarming over water and marshy areas in the summer months.
Seasonal Activity
Best from May to July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In the insect world males often present the females with a prenuptial gift of food, usually a small fly, but the males of the
Additional species information
Recorded status
They are common throughout Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Hilara maura. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.
Ecological role of the group
Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.
Economic and practical significance of the group
In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.
Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Balloon Fly (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Balloon Fly
What is Balloon Fly?
Balloon Fly (Hilara maura) is a species in the family Empididae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Balloon Fly found?
Habitat: Can be seen swarming over water and marshy areas in the summer months.
When is Balloon Fly active?
Balloon Fly: seasonal activity - Best from May to July..
What is the life cycle of a Balloon Fly?
In the insect world males often present the females with a prenuptial gift of food, usually a small fly, but the males of the