Longlegged Flies

Dolichopodidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dolichopodidae: //ˌdɒlɪkoʊˈpɒdɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Haromyia iviei by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Dolichopus longipennis by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Long-legged Fly Dolichopus reflectus, Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Yellow Dolichopodid - Flickr - treegrow by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Systematische Beschreibung der bekannten europäischen zweiflügeligen Insekten Tome 4 1824 Tab 35 by Johann Meigen. Used under a Public domain license.
Dolichopodid Fly (34578522046) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Dolichopodidae, or long-legged flies, are a diverse family of small to medium-sized predatory flies characterised by their metallic appearance and long legs. Highly varied in morphology and ecology, they inhabit a range of environments and are important predators of small invertebrates.

Physical Characteristics

Small flies ranging in size from 1 to 9 mm, usually less than 5 mm. Characteristically have long, slender legs, large prominent eyes, and a metallic cast. Some species are dull colored (yellow, brown, black). Most adults have long legs and a variety in leg length exists among species. Males often possess distinguishing genitalia used for taxonomic identification.

Identification Tips

The frons in both sexes is broad, with separated eyes in males except for specific genera. The third antennal segment is the largest, often bearing a long arista. Male genitalia are particularly useful for species identification due to unique shapes and structures.

Habitat

Dolichopodidae are found in lightly shaded areas near swamps and streams, meadows, woodlands, and sometimes on the trunks of trees. Larvae inhabit moist to dry soil and standing or slow-moving waters.

Distribution

World-wide distribution including North America, with ~1300 species in about 60 genera locally and a total of ~7400 species globally across approximately 270 genera.

Diet

Adults are primarily predatory, feeding on small invertebrates such as Collembola, aphids, and mosquito larvae. Larvae can be predators or, in some cases, phytophagous, living in plant stems.

Life Cycle

Pupation occurs in cocoons made of cemented soil. The courtship involves elaborate male displays.

Reproduction

Courtship displays involve visual signals, including the modification of body parts like the tarsi and wings. Males exhibit noticeable secondary sexual characteristics for species recognition.

Ecosystem Role

Predators of small invertebrates, contributing to pest control in their habitats.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting
  • Light trapping

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning
  • Alcohol preservation

Evolution

Dolichopodidae are well represented in fossil records like amber and have been globally distributed since the Cretaceous. This group shows advanced evolution within the Empidoidea.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Misunderstood as primarily scavengers, many Dolichopodidae species are in fact active predators.

Tags

  • Dolichopodidae
  • Longlegged Flies
  • Diptera
  • Predatory Flies