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Empis tessellata
Empididae is a family of flies with over 3,000 described worldwide. While mainly predatory they can often be seen visiting flowers to obtain nectar, as shown here. The flower is the Great masterwort, Astrantia major. Common names for members of this family include dagger flies (see the sharp piercing mouthpart on this species). See notes for identification.
Sub-alpine forest clearing, alt. 1500m ASL.
Empis tessellata has black femurs and reddish tibias and tarsi, whereas Empis opaca has brownish red femurs (see reference).
7 Comments
Thanks Mark and James! I'm updating the ID to species level.
Incredible macros...great job, awesome spotting
Lovely shots... yes looks like E tessellata ♀ to me. Seems many are mis-IDed with E opaca on leg colour.
Thanks Bill! Doesn't it look like it's assembled with rivets?!
Super sharp! Love to see all the details. Nice series Daniele!
Thank you Satyen!
Nice one Daniele!