Banana Stalk Fly (Neriidae) fight on the wall

The Banana Stalk Fly (Neriidae) is a slender, long-legged fly belonging to a family of true flies (Diptera) that is closely related to the Micropezidae. These flies are primarily found in tropical regions. Neriids breed in decaying vegetation, such as rotting tree bark or fruit. Male Neriids engage in impressive battles for territory and access to females near their egg-laying sites. During these contests, rivals elevate their bodies to an almost vertical position and strike each other with the ventral surfaces of their heads. They may also use their forelegs to hit one another or attempt to place each other in a headlock. In a remarkable display, these insects were spotted on a steep wall, performing such amusing gestures that it seemed like they were putting on a show in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on July 21, 2025.