Stilt-legged Fly vs Mountain Dance Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Stilt-legged Fly | Mountain Dance Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rainieria antennaepes | Empis pennipes |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Micropezidae | Empididae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 5-8 mm body length |
| Habitat | Forests | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Alps, Scandinavia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Stilt-legged Fly
A slender fly with banded legs that it waves to mimic parasitoid wasp antennae.
Did You Know?
It waves its front legs continuously to resemble an ichneumon wasp walking on four legs.
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.