Empis femorata
This record describes Empis femorata (species). Recorded family: Empididae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a small, greyish Dance Fly. The female is quite chubby looking. Widespread but not particularly common in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
Wikipedia reference for Empis femorata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empis_femorata.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and field verges.
Seasonal Activity
Late April to June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Sometimes seen in groups of up to 30.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but not particularly common in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Empis femorata. 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 Empis femorata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Empis femorata
What is Empis femorata?
Empis femorata is a species in the family Empididae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Empis femorata found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and field verges.
When is Empis femorata active?
Empis femorata: seasonal activity - Late April to June..
What is the life cycle of a Empis femorata?
Sometimes seen in groups of up to 30.