Boasting gigantic, glowing neon-red compound eyes that dominate its dark head, flies in the genus Lindneromyia are striking gems of the undergrowth. Belonging to the flat-footed fly family (Platypezidae), these tiny insects earn their common name from the broad, flattened segments on their hind legs. Behind their captivating looks lies an extraordinary connection to the fungal world! Their larvae live almost exclusively between the gills of wild mushrooms, feeding on spore concentrations. Because mushrooms decay rapidly, these larvae grow at lightning speed—completing their development in just 10 to 15 days before the mushroom vanishes! As adults, they zip across broad leaves in quick, erratic dances, sipping sugary honeydew, while males perform aerial dances around tree branches to attract mates. I encountered this magnificent little male in a forest close to my home in Barkarby, Sweden. While the tiny fly sat surprisingly still, the gusty wind made capturing a sharp macro photo a true test of patience!