Long-tailed Dance Fly vs Long-Palped Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Long-tailed Dance Fly | Long-Palped Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhamphomyia longicauda | Dicranota bimaculata |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Empididae | Pediciidae |
| Size | 5-8mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Long-tailed Dance Fly
A small dark fly where females inflate their legs with air to appear larger during mating swarms. Males present nuptial gifts.
Did You Know?
Females inflate their legs with air bubbles to look larger and more impressive to choosy males in mating swarms.
Long-Palped Crane Fly
A short-bodied crane fly whose predatory larvae inhabit gravel beds of clean streams. Larvae are active hunters among cobble interstices.
Did You Know?
Unlike most crane fly larvae, this species is an active predator rather than a detritivore.