Mountain Dance Fly vs Bearded Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Dance Fly | Bearded Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Empis pennipes | Machimus atricapillus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Empididae | Asilidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm body length | 12-18 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Alps, Scandinavia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mountain Dance Fly
A predatory fly with feathery leg fringes used in aerial mating displays. Males offer prey gifts wrapped in silk to females during courtship.
Did You Know?
Males with the most elaborate feathered legs are preferred by females during mating swarms.
Bearded Robber Fly
A common European robber fly with a prominent mystax (facial beard) of bristles that protect its face during prey capture. It hunts from perches on bare ground and low vegetation.
Did You Know?
Its dense facial beard of stiff bristles acts as a protective cage, shielding its eyes from the thrashing legs of captured prey.