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Photo#108285
Midge? - Empis snoddyi - male

Midge? - Empis snoddyi - Male
Great Smoky Mtns National Park, Tennessee, USA
April 28, 2007
Size: 8mms

Moved
Moved from Dance Flies.

balloon fly
Great picture of a balloon fly!
This is Empis (Enoplempis) snoddyi.
Actually, this species makes an empty balloon, withough prey, unlike some other species in this group.

Moved
Moved from Dance Flies.

dance fly
i believe this is something in the family Empididae, Joe or one of the other fly guys should be able to tell you more.

 
ID is correct... certain gene
ID is correct... certain genera present a nuptial gift of food wrapped in silk... others will just present a balloon of silk/saliva... I believe the latter is what we have here... neat stuff

 
Great capture
A great capture with the "gift." Note too the "beak" (beak-like mouthparts) which are typical of Empididae.

 
I second that!
Wow! Wish we had had this image when we were choosing photos for our field guide:-( Keep up the great work.

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