Dolichopodinae

long-legged flies

Genus Guides

7

Dolichopodinae is a of predatory flies in the Dolichopodidae, characterized by distinctive morphological features including setae on the scape of the and modified male terminalia. The subfamily contains over 2,000 described across approximately 50 , including the large genus Dolichopus. Molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed complex relationships within the group, with some traditionally recognized genera proving polyphyletic.

Gymnopternus by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Dolichopus by (c) Will Linnard, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Will Linnard. Used under a CC-BY license.Dolichopus longipennis by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Katja Schulz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dolichopodinae: /ˌdɒlɪkoʊˈpɒdɪniː/

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Identification

with setae on the surface of the scape; middle and hind with setae on the surface near the apex; male postabdomen typically large, forming a peduncle and folded ventrally beneath the .

Images

Habitat

Diverse; includes wet such as streams and lakes for some (e.g., Dolichopus), and sandy coastal beaches for others (e.g., Phoomyia near ghost crab burrows).

Distribution

; particularly diverse in the Palaearctic region with over 300 . Documented from Inner Mongolia, China; Sri Lanka; Thailand; and globally across temperate and tropical regions.

Diet

Predatory on other insects; in the Dolichopus are known .

Ecological Role

Natural enemies of insects; potential agents in some .

Similar Taxa

  • other Dolichopodidae subfamiliesDistinguished by the combination of antennal scape setae, femoral setation pattern, and male postabdominal structure

Sources and further reading