Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat vs Yellow Dance Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat Yellow Dance Fly
Scientific Name Keroplatus testaceus Empis stercorea
Order Diptera Diptera
Family Keroplatidae Empididae
Size 8-12 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Woodlands Hedgerows
Diet Fungus Feeders Predators
Regions Europe Europe
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Bioluminescent Fungus Gnat

A remarkable fungus gnat whose larvae create bioluminescent webs on bracket fungi. The blue-green glow attracts prey insects. One of the few bioluminescent insects outside fireflies.

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Did You Know?

Larvae glow in the dark, creating eerie blue-green patches on bracket fungi in dark forests.

Yellow Dance Fly

A medium-sized dance fly with a yellowish body commonly found on spring flowers. Males present prey items as mating gifts. An important pollinator of spring flowers.

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Did You Know?

Important early-season pollinators that visit spring flowers while also hunting small insects on them.