Empis trigramma
This record describes Empis trigramma (species). Recorded family: Empididae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
Empis trigramma is a species of dance or dagger fly. The thorax has three broad dark stripes and yellowish sides. The abdomen is golden yellow and often shiny, with a dark central stripe. The wing has no shaded area and vein R4+5 is forked. The fly's length is 4.5 to 6 mm. Hedgerows and well vegetated areas, particularly near Hawthorn. Feeds on insects but also takes nectar from flowers and Hawthorn blossom. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Empis trigramma: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empis_trigramma.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and well vegetated areas, particularly near Hawthorn.
Seasonal Activity
April to June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on insects but also takes nectar from flowers and Hawthorn blossom.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Empis trigramma. 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 trigramma (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Empis trigramma
What is Empis trigramma?
Empis trigramma is a species in the family Empididae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Empis trigramma found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and well vegetated areas, particularly near Hawthorn.
When is Empis trigramma active?
Empis trigramma: seasonal activity - April to June..
What is the life cycle of a Empis trigramma?
Feeds on insects but also takes nectar from flowers and Hawthorn blossom.