This fly is Empis tessellata (#852), a “dagger” fly and the largest in its genus. It is larger and has different leg colour from its nearest relatives. Dagger flies feed on nectar, but also catch other insects using their long pointed proboscis (not visible in this photo). Mating involves the male giving a gift of dead prey to the female.
This is my first “dagger fly” found in the garden; so-named because of its long beak. These come for nectar, as in this case on the flowers of a bramble, but are also predators. Courtship consists of the males offering prey to females, with the most favoured prey getting the girl. There are a few species, but this one with it’s reddish coloured legs (including the thighs) is I believe one of the commoner ones.
#794 Empis opaca
Passionate about nature, based in Gloucestershire UK; this site is about creating a wildlife friendly family garden and exploring the diversity of animal & plant species that share it with us.
As a nature lover and wildlife gardener I started wondering about the biodiversity in my backyard and just how many species from plants to insects to birds to mammals might live in or visit it.
Much of the wildlife in my small, village garden has been present right under my nose for years without my really appreciating it, so on the way I am learning a lot about different species and how to make a wildlife-friendly environment for them; also getting engaged more in conservation activities around Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and the Cotswolds.
My garden species tally started from zero on June 1st 2018, the target was 1000 species, which I eventually hit in June 2024. But there’s still plenty to see and learn about.
I'm very interested in your comments & advice: whether it's about the blog, some help with identification or just how to make my own little Eden better for wildlife. So please leave a comment or drop me a line if you feel like it!
Graham Tompsett
microedenproject@gmail.com
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