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Balloon Fly Hilara maura

The genus Hilara exists of small Dance Flies, most are 3 to 4 millimeters long. Most species are black and most live near water. The males all have a swelling in the front legs. It actually is a gland. With it the males produce a silken wire. It is wrapped around a prey, which is then offered to the females. Males may dance above water, sometimes in huge numbers. In Holland alone are just under 60 species. Of all these species Hilara maura is most common. As long as there is water, it will show up. Even a puddle in a wheel track will have its attention. This species is on the wing from April till September. In our part of Europe it may be double-brooded. In Common English the name Balloon Fly may be used to refer to any of the 60 species.