Dolichopodidae

Definition

A large, cosmopolitan family of true flies (order Diptera) in the superfamily Empidoidea, commonly called long-legged flies. Characterized by small to minute body size, striking metallic coloration (often green, blue, or copper), and disproportionately long, slender legs adapted for agile, predatory movement. Adults are primarily predatory on small arthropods and are significant biocontrol agents in many ecosystems; larvae occupy diverse habitats including soil, decaying vegetation, and aquatic environments. With more than 8,000 described species in approximately 250 genera, Dolichopodidae represents one of the most species-rich families of Diptera.

Etymology

From the type genus Dolichopus (Greek dolichos 'long' + pous 'foot') + -idae (family suffix)

Example

A sweep-net sample from riparian vegetation might yield dozens of Dolichopodidae, including metallic green species of Dolichopus and Condylostylus that prey on aphids and other small soft-bodied insects.

Synonyms

• Long-legged flies

Related Terms

• Empidoidea
• Diptera
• Brachycera
• Dolichopus
• predatory flies
• biocontrol agents
• metallic coloration
• asilomorph flies

Usage Notes

The common name 'long-legged flies' applies specifically to this family and should not be confused with crane flies (Tipulidae) or other long-legged dipterans. Dolichopodidae is distinguished from related Empididae (dance flies) by its metallic coloration, reduced empodium on the tarsus, and typically non-swarming predatory behavior. The family is divided into approximately 16 subfamilies, with Dolichopodinae and Diaphorinae being particularly species-rich. Species identification relies heavily on male genitalia and subtle leg chaetotaxy, making field identification to species often impractical without specimen preparation.