Dance Fly vs Seven-spotted Ladybird
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Dance Fly | Seven-spotted Ladybird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Empis tessellata | Hippodamia variegata |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Empididae | Coccinellidae |
| Size | 10-12 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Hedgerows | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Seven-spotted Ladybird
A small, variably marked ladybird that is an important predator of aphids in agricultural settings. Often found in open, dry habitats. Less well-known than the common seven-spot.
Did You Know?
Despite sharing a similar common name, this species is more tolerant of hot, dry conditions than the familiar seven-spot ladybird.