Discinae

Discinae is a subtribe of flies in the family Empididae. It is a group of insects commonly known as dance flies. Members of this subtribe are characterized by their slender bodies, typically between 2-20 millimeters in length, and robust legs. Their heads are usually bare, but may feature holochely, a type of hairiness that covers the entire head surface.

Discinae flies are generally found near to water sources, where their larvae develop. Adults tend to fly around vegetation or hang upside-down on leaves. Males of the subtribe are known for their distinct courtship behaviors, often described as a "dance," which involves zigzagging flight patterns and vibrating their wings to attract females.

Pest status

Discinae flies are occasionally considered pests due to the larvae's potential to infest dormant plants, such as potatoes, in storage. However, the information available on this topic is limited and not comprehensive.

The relationship between Discinae flies and climate is well understood. Temperature has an impact on their development, with thermal requirements for their larvae to be met in order to successfully complete their life cycle.

Distribution

Discinae flies have a broad and irregular distribution across the globe, with more numerous species found in the northern parts of Europe. Locations such as North America and Asia also contain members of the Discinae subfamily, but the majority of information on the geographic distribution of Discinae species remains unclear.