Species: Ensign Fly - unnamed 2 (Nemopoda nitidula)
Family: Ensign flies (SEPSIDAE)
Category: Insects (Other)
Location: NW
A. Insects (Other)
More extensive information on insects can be found in a separate blog post.
B. Ensign flies (SEPSIDAE)
Ensign flies - or black scavenger flies - number about 300 worldwide. They are often ant mimics and are notable for the way in which they wave their wings.
C. Ensign Fly - unnamed 2 (Nemopoda nitidula)
These tiny flies are about 3 to 4 millimetres in length. They closely resemble ants. Ensign flies are named for their habit of running around while waving their wings.
This species is black with a feint white dusting on the lower sides of its thorax; its front legs are considerably paler. It also lacks the black wing spot seen in other members of the family, such as Sepsis sp..
Nemopoda nitidula can be seen between April and September. It is common and widespread in Britain.
Images
Ensign Fly - unnamed 2 (Nemopoda nitidula)
These tiny flies are about 3 to 4 millimetres in length. They closely resemble ants. Ensign flies are named for their habit of running around while waving their wings.
Nemopoda nitidula can be seen between April and September. It is common and widespread in Britain.
(Photo credit: Stuart MA Ball.)
