Aquatic-surface-behavior
Guides
Dolichopus
long-legged flies
Dolichopus is the largest genus in the family Dolichopodidae, comprising over 600 species worldwide. Adults are small flies, typically less than 8 mm in length, with nearly all species exhibiting metallic greenish-blue to greenish-bronze coloration. The genus name derives from Greek words meaning 'long foot,' referring to the elongated legs characteristic of its species. Members of this genus are predatory on other small insects and display complex courtship behaviors involving specialized leg ornaments in males.