Black-kneed Capsid vs Dance Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black-kneed Capsid | Dance Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Blepharidopterus angulatus | Empis tessellata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Diptera |
| Family | Miridae | Empididae |
| Size | 5-6 mm | 10-12 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Black-kneed Capsid
A slender, pale green mirid bug with distinctive black knee joints. It is a beneficial predator found in European apple orchards where it feeds on red spider mites. It is one of the most important natural enemies of fruit tree red spider mite.
Did You Know?
A single individual can consume over 100 spider mites per day, making it so effective that some orchardists manage their spraying programs to conserve this natural predator.
Dance Fly
A predatory fly in which males present silk-wrapped insect prey as nuptial gifts to females. Mating swarms form elaborate aerial dances over landmarks.
Did You Know?
Some males cheat by wrapping inedible items or empty silk balloons to trick females into mating.