Dolichopus albiciliatus
Loew, 1862
Dolichopus albiciliatus is a of in the , 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 .
Identification
Dolichopus are distinguished from other by their relatively long legs and slender body form. Male Dolichopus species possess modified adorned with -like ornaments that function in . Species-level identification within Dolichopus generally requires examination of male .
Diet
are predatory on other small . The modified (lower lip) is extendable and equipped with opposable lobes used to capture and crush .
Life Cycle
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 to display to females. Members of the Dolichopus have been observed on the surface film of water, where they on mosquito .
Ecological Role
of small including mosquito ; 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 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 galleries, with that on ; have a characteristic 'tiptoe' posture on vertical surfaces.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The specific epithet 'albiciliatus' refers to (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.