Empis tessellata
This record describes Empis tessellata (species). Recorded family: Empididae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
9-12mm. This is the largest of the genus. It is a bristly fly with brown-tinged wings. It has black femora but the tibia and tarsi may be red/brown. Empis opaca is another large Empis species but this has red femora. It frequents hedges, woodland edges, gardens and shrubby habitats. Particularly common on Hogweed and other umbellifer flowers. Though it feeds on nectar it is also a predator and catches other insects using its long pointed proboscis to pierce their bodies. 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.
Wikipedia reference for Empis tessellata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empis_tessellata.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It frequents hedges, woodland edges, gardens and shrubby habitats. Particularly common on Hogweed and other umbellifer flowers.
Seasonal Activity
April to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Though it feeds on nectar it is also a predator and catches other insects using its long pointed proboscis to pierce their bodies. Males of
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Empis tessellata. 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 tessellata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Empis tessellata
What is Empis tessellata?
Empis tessellata is a species in the family Empididae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Empis tessellata found?
Habitat: It frequents hedges, woodland edges, gardens and shrubby habitats. Particularly common on Hogweed and other umbellifer flowers.
When is Empis tessellata active?
Empis tessellata: seasonal activity - April to August..
What is the life cycle of a Empis tessellata?
Though it feeds on nectar it is also a predator and catches other insects using its long pointed proboscis to pierce their bodies. Males of