Mountain Dance Fly vs Rothschild's Achias
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mountain Dance Fly | Rothschild's Achias |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Empis pennipes | Achias rothschildi |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Empididae | Platystomatidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm body length | 15-18 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Alps, Scandinavia | Papua New Guinea |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
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.
Rothschild's Achias
A remarkable Papua New Guinean fly where males have enormously elongated eye stalks. Males use their extended eyes to size up rivals. Has the largest head capsule of any known insect.
Did You Know?
Has the largest head capsule relative to body size of any insect, with eye stalks wider than its body.