Its name sounds like an incantation a Harry Potter acolyte might chant to turn an annoying peer into a toad, though Google AI suggests: ‘The genus name Poecilobothrus comes from the Greek words “poikilos” (various, or variegated) and “botryx” (a cluster of grapes), likely referring to the diverse and ornate nature of some dance fly species’ and ‘The species name nobilitatus is derived from the Latin word “nobilitatus,” meaning “made noble” or “ennobled,” which could relate to the elegant or showy appearance of the fly, particularly during courtship.’ I can certainly agree that this little long-legged fly is an ornate and elegantly formed creature.

I don’t usually have much luck identifying fly species but, fortunately for me, this one was a male and so it has distinctive white markings on the end of its wings, which it flashes at potential mates during its courtship display. I spotted this specimen sitting on vegetation next to a local footpath but they are usually to be found in wet locations, often sitting on weed floating on the surface of a pond or slow-moving stream.