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Empis
ExploreInsects
Empis
Empis
Empis are fascinating insects known for their long legs and unique hunting skills. They often catch other insects in mid-air, making them exciting to watch in nature!
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Empis is a slender fly with long legs and a distinctive, elongated proboscis. They often have dull grey, brown, or black bodies, some species exhibiting yellowish markings. Their often hairy bodies distinguish them from many other flies.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderDipteraFamilyEmpididaeGenusEmpis
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Empis larvae live in soil and also hunt tiny creatures underground.
Some Empis males look like ghosts wrapped in silk when giving gifts!
They are known as 'dance flies' for their impressive aerial mating swarms.
They help keep annoying pests like mosquitoes from getting too numerous.
Special abilities
Ability
Nuptial Gift Giver
Empis males wrap prey in silk to offer females as a gift, helping them mate successfully.
Ability
Aerial Acrobat
Empis can hover and dart with incredible precision, allowing them to catch other insects mid-flight.
Ability
Sharp Snout Hunter
Empis has a long, pointed proboscis that helps them pierce and consume their insect prey quickly.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 5-20 mm
- Size
- 3-12 mm
- Lifespan
- 20-60 days
- Flight Speed
- 10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Empis are tiny insect hunters, using their sharp mouthparts to catch other small bugs.
Age differences: Larvae also hunt small soil-dwelling invertebrates, differing from adult aerial hunting.
Primary Foods
- midges
- mosquitoes
- aphids
- small flies
- leafhoppers
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
hunts
common mosquito
Culex pipiens
Empis preys on this mosquito species.
hunts
cotton aphid
Aphis gossypii
Empis helps control aphid populations.
eaten by
garden spider
Argiope aurantia
Empis can become prey for spiders.
pollinates
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dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
Some Empis visit flowers for nectar.
Traits
Aerial
Aerial creatures spend a significant portion of their lives airborne, utilizing flight for various activities such as hunting, migration, or nesting.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Empis are harmless and fun to observe, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Empis's wingspan?
5-20 mm
How big is Empis?
3-12 mm
How long does Empis live?
20-60 days
How fast can Empis fly?
10 km/h
What does Empis eat?
Empis are tiny insect hunters, using their sharp mouthparts to catch other small bugs.
Where is Empis usually found?
Grasslands
How does Empis hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Empis have?
6
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