Dolichopus albiciliatus
Loew, 1862
Dolichopus albiciliatus is a of long-legged fly in the Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1862. Members of the Dolichopus are characterized by elongated legs and often metallic coloration. As with other dolichopodids, are predatory on small insects.
Identification
Dolichopus are distinguished from other dolichopodid by their relatively long legs and slender body form. Male Dolichopus species possess modified front adorned with -like ornaments that function in . Species-level identification within Dolichopus generally requires examination of male genitalia.
Diet
are predatory on other small insects. The modified (lower lip) is extendable and equipped with opposable lobes used to capture and crush prey.
Life Cycle
Larvae of most Dolichopus remain poorly known. Related species in the have aquatic or semi-aquatic larvae that are also predatory.
Behavior
Males perform complex courtship dances using their ornamented front to display to females. Members of the Dolichopus have been observed on the surface film of water, where they prey on mosquito larvae.
Ecological Role
of small insects including mosquito larvae; may serve as agents in aquatic and semi-aquatic .
Similar Taxa
- CondylostylusAlso metallic green dolichopodids, but Condylostylus typically have shorter legs relative to body length and lack the modified front of male Dolichopus.
- HydrophorusHydrophorus are specialized for skating on water surfaces and have shorter legs; they are more aquatic than most Dolichopus species.
- MedeteraMedetera are associated with tree trunks and bark beetle galleries, with larvae that prey on ; have a characteristic 'tiptoe' posture on vertical surfaces.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The specific epithet 'albiciliatus' refers to white cilia (hairs), likely describing a diagnostic feature of this , though original description details are not provided in available sources.
Observation Rarity
As of the source date, this had only 7 observations recorded on iNaturalist, suggesting it is either genuinely rare, underreported, or difficult to identify without examination.