Empis opaca
This record describes Empis opaca (species). Recorded family: Empididae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: Male 6 to 9.5 mm, Female 6.8 to 10 mm. This group of flies, sometimes called Dance flies, are predators of other insects, often tackling large prey, using their long, dagger-like snout. This species is distinguished from the very similar Empis livida by having four dark stripes on the thorax - a central short pair and longer outer stripes. Like Empis livida , the legs are mainly red/orange. Along hedgerows where it takes other insects and nectars on flowers. Males of E. opaca and E. tessellata present a 'gift' to the female, in the form of a dead insect, before mating takes place. Females will not mate with males who do not present a gift. Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
Wikipedia reference for Empis opaca: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empis_opaca.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Along hedgerows where it takes other insects and nectars on flowers.
Seasonal Activity
April and May.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Males of
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and widespread in England and Wales, fewer records from Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Empis opaca. 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 opaca (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Empis opaca
What is Empis opaca?
Empis opaca is a species in the family Empididae, within the order Diptera.
How big is Empis opaca?
Male 6 to 9.5 mm, Female 6.8 to 10 mm. This group of flies, sometimes called Dance flies, are predators of other insects, often tackling large prey, using their long, dagger-like snout. This species is distinguished from the very similar
Where is Empis opaca found?
Habitat: Along hedgerows where it takes other insects and nectars on flowers.
When is Empis opaca active?
Empis opaca: seasonal activity - April and May..
What is the life cycle of a Empis opaca?
Males of