Dolichopodidae
Guides
Achradocera
Achradocera is a genus of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae: Diaphorinae) distributed across the Americas and Polynesia. The genus was restored from subgenus status in 1975 and currently comprises 12 recognized species. Phylogenetic analysis identifies two species groups: the Nearctic barbata group and the Neotropical femoralis group. Biogeographic studies indicate vicariance as the primary driver of speciation in this genus.
Achradocera arcuata
Achradocera arcuata is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1924. The species belongs to a New World genus revised in 2024, with confirmed records from western North America and the Hawaiian Islands. Like other dolichopodids, it possesses characteristically elongated legs and a streamlined body. The species was included in a comprehensive taxonomic revision that documented diagnostic morphological features and clarified its systematic position within the genus.
Achradocera barbata
Achradocera barbata is a species of long-legged fly (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) native to eastern North America. It is one of twelve valid species recognized in the taxonomic revision of the New World genus Achradocera. The species was originally described by Loew in 1861. Like other members of Dolichopodidae, it belongs to a family known for predatory habits and distinctive elongated legs.
Amblypsilopus
Amblypsilopus is a large genus of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) containing approximately 350 described species. The genus is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with particularly high diversity in the Afrotropical region where about 60 species occur, including 25 on Madagascar alone. The genus is possibly polyphyletic and requires further taxonomic revision. Species identification relies heavily on male genitalia morphology, particularly the surstylus and cercus, along with male secondary sexual characters on the legs.
Amblypsilopus bradleii
Amblypsilopus bradleii is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1915. It belongs to the subfamily Sciapodinae, a group characterized by elongated legs and slender bodies. The species is documented through limited observation records, with most information inferred from its placement within a well-studied family of predatory flies.
Amblypsilopus psittacinus
A species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by elongated legs and metallic coloration typical of the family. The specific epithet 'psittacinus' refers to a parrot-like coloration. As a member of Sciapodinae, it exhibits the streamlined body form associated with this subfamily.
Amblypsilopus rotundiceps
A species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, subfamily Sciapodinae. First described by Aldrich in 1904. The specific epithet "rotundiceps" refers to the rounded head characteristic of this species. Like other dolichopodids, it possesses the family's distinctive elongated legs and metallic coloration, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented in published literature.
Amblypsilopus scintillans
A small species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by sexual dimorphism in coxa coloration and a shiny, metallic body. It occurs in eastern North America and is one of the more frequently observed species in its genus, with over 1,500 documented records. The species name refers to its shining appearance.
Argyra
Argyra is a genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, established by Macquart in 1834. The genus name derives from the Greek word for 'silver,' referencing the silver pruinescence found on males of many species. Members of this genus are part of the diverse Diaphorinae subfamily and have been subjects of recent genomic research, including a complete genome assembly for Argyra leucocephala.
Argyra albicans
Argyra albicans is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1861. Members of this family are characterized by their elongated legs and typically metallic coloration. The genus Argyra is placed within the subfamily Diaphorinae.
Argyra calceata
Argyra calceata is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Hermann Loew in 1861. The genus Argyra belongs to the subfamily Diaphorinae, a group of small to medium-sized flies known for their metallic coloration and elongated legs. Members of this family are generally predatory as larvae and often associated with moist or aquatic habitats. The specific epithet "calceata" refers to being shod or booted, likely alluding to a characteristic of the leg structure. The species is poorly documented in publicly available literature, with minimal observational records.
Argyra nigripes
Argyra nigripes is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1864. Members of the genus Argyra are small to medium-sized flies characterized by their metallic coloration and elongated legs. The species name 'nigripes' refers to black legs. As with many dolichopodid flies, specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Argyra nigriventris
Argyra nigriventris is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1925. The genus Argyra belongs to the subfamily Diaphorinae, a group characterized by metallic coloration and distinctive genitalia structures. Members of this genus are typically small to medium-sized flies associated with various habitats. The specific epithet "nigriventris" refers to the black venter (underside) of the abdomen, a diagnostic color pattern for this species.
Argyra robusta
Argyra robusta is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Johnson in 1906. The genus Argyra comprises small to medium-sized flies characterized by their notably long legs and metallic coloration. As with other members of Dolichopodidae, this species is predatory in both larval and adult stages. The specific epithet 'robusta' suggests a relatively sturdy or substantial build compared to congeners. Available records for this species are sparse, with limited observational data documented.
Argyra sericata
Argyra sericata is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1925. The genus Argyra comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found near water or in moist habitats. As a member of Dolichopodidae, this species likely exhibits the family's characteristic metallic coloration and elongated legs adapted for rapid movement. The specific epithet "sericata" (meaning silken) may refer to body texture or sheen. No detailed biological studies of this particular species have been documented in the provided sources.
Asyndetus
Asyndetus is a large genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, containing over 100 described species with worldwide distribution. The genus was established by Loew in 1869. Species occur across diverse biogeographic regions including the West Indies, the Palaearctic, and Scandinavia. Several species have been subject to taxonomic revision, with numerous synonymizations and transfers to other genera.
Asyndetus appendiculatus
Asyndetus appendiculatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1869. Members of this genus are generally small to medium-sized predatory flies with elongated legs. The specific epithet appendiculatus refers to small appendage-like structures, though the precise morphological basis for this name has not been detailed in readily accessible literature. The species is rarely reported, with minimal observational data available.
Asyndetus harbeckii
Asyndetus harbeckii is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1914. The genus Asyndetus comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs and streamlined bodies. Records of this species are sparse, and its biology remains poorly documented.
Asyndetus interruptus
Asyndetus interruptus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, originally described by Loew in 1861. It is one of nine recognized Asyndetus species occurring in the West Indies. The species is part of a genus characterized by distinctive male genitalic structures, with some species exhibiting rare mandible-like labella.
Asyndetus johnsoni
Asyndetus johnsoni is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1916. The genus Asyndetus is a large and diverse group within Dolichopodidae, though specific ecological and behavioral information for A. johnsoni remains poorly documented. No observations of this species have been recorded in iNaturalist, indicating it is either rare, cryptic, or undercollected.
Asyndetus latus
Asyndetus latus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1916. Long-legged flies in this family are generally predatory as adults, feeding on small invertebrates. Very little specific information is documented about this particular species beyond its taxonomic description. The genus Asyndetus contains numerous species, many of which are poorly studied.
Asyndetus syntormoides
Asyndetus syntormoides is a species of long-legged fly (Dolichopodidae) described by Wheeler in 1899. The species has been erroneously reported from the West Indies; these records have been corrected and the species is not among the nine Asyndetus species recognized from that region. Very few observations exist, with only four records in iNaturalist. The actual geographic distribution and biology of this species remain poorly documented.
Bickelomyia
Bickelomyia is a genus of small flies in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Naglis in 2002. It is currently known from Mexico and Costa Rica. The genus was named in honor of Australian dipterologist Daniel J. Bickel. The genus contains five described species, all described in the same 2002 publication.
Calyxochaetus
Calyxochaetus is a genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, subfamily Sympycninae. Formerly treated as a subgenus of Sympycnus, it is now recognized as a distinct genus containing 36 species in the New World. The genus was revised in 2024, with species organized into five species groups based on morphological characters.
Calyxochaetus frontalis
Calyxochaetus frontalis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, subfamily Sympycninae. Originally described by Loew in 1861, it belongs to the C. frontalis species group within the genus. A lectotype was designated for this species during a comprehensive 2021 revision that recognized 36 species in the genus and established five species groups. The species is known from the Nearctic region.
Campsicnemus hirtipes
Campsicnemus hirtipes is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. It was described by Loew in 1861. The genus Campsicnemus belongs to the subfamily Sympycninae within Dolichopodidae, a family known for species with notably elongated legs and predatory habits.
Chrysotimus
Chrysotimus is a genus of long-legged flies (family Dolichopodidae) established by Loew in 1857. It has a cosmopolitan distribution with records from Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The genus is likely paraphyletic with respect to several geographically restricted genera such as Alishanimyia. Some species previously or alternatively placed in Chrysotimus have been reassigned to related genera like Guzeriplia.
Chrysotus
Chrysotus is a large genus of long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) in the subfamily Diaphorinae, with more than 460 described species. The genus is taxonomically problematic and likely paraphyletic or polyphyletic with respect to related genera including Achradocera, Falbouria, and Lyroneurus. Species are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions including the Palaearctic, Nearctic, Oriental, and Neotropical realms. The genus contains two subgenera: Angiopus (monotypic, containing only C. halteratus) and Chrysotus (containing all other species).
Chrysotus affinis
Chrysotus affinis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. The genus Chrysotus is part of the subfamily Diaphorinae and includes numerous small, metallic-colored flies. Members of this genus are generally predatory as adults, though specific ecological details for C. affinis remain poorly documented.
Chrysotus arkansensis
Chrysotus arkansensis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. It was described by Van Duzee in 1930 based on six specimens collected from Fayetteville, Arkansas in 1906. As a member of the genus Chrysotus, it belongs to a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. The species remains poorly known, with no subsequent records or biological studies published since its original description.
Chrysotus bellus
Chrysotus bellus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1924. The genus Chrysotus belongs to the subfamily Diaphorinae and comprises numerous small, metallic-colored flies commonly found in diverse habitats. As with other members of Dolichopodidae, these flies are characterized by their elongated legs and generally predatory habits. The specific epithet "bellus" (Latin for "beautiful") likely refers to some aspect of the species' appearance.
Chrysotus cornutus
Chrysotus cornutus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1862. As a member of this family, it belongs to a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found in moist habitats. The specific epithet 'cornutus' refers to a horned or projecting feature, though the precise morphological basis for this name is not detailed in available sources. Like other dolichopodids, this species likely exhibits the characteristic long legs and metallic coloration typical of the family.
Chrysotus leucostoma
Chrysotus leucostoma is a species of long-legged fly (family Dolichopodidae) described by Loew in 1861. The genus Chrysotus belongs to the subfamily Diaphorinae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory flies. Members of this genus are generally associated with moist or wetland habitats. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only 3 documented occurrences in iNaturalist.
Chrysotus obliquus
Chrysotus obliquus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. The genus Chrysotus is part of the subfamily Diaphorinae, a diverse group of small predatory flies commonly found in various habitats. Very little specific information has been documented about the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Chrysotus tarsalis
Chrysotus tarsalis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1924. The genus Chrysotus belongs to the subfamily Diaphorinae. Like other dolichopodid flies, members of this genus are characterized by their elongated legs and metallic coloration. Specific biological details for C. tarsalis remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
Condylostylus
long-legged flies
Condylostylus is a large genus of predatory flies in the family Dolichopodidae, comprising over 250 species and representing the second largest genus in the subfamily Sciapodinae. The genus exhibits exceptional diversity in the Neotropical realm, where approximately 70% of species occur. Members are small to medium-sized dolichopodids, typically displaying metallic coloration and characteristic long-legged morphology. The genus includes species with documented potential as biological control agents in agricultural settings.
Condylostylus calcaratus
long-legged fly
Condylostylus calcaratus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1861. Members of this genus are commonly encountered in gardens and along forest edges, where they are active predators on small insects. The family Dolichopodidae is among the most diverse families of Diptera, with nearly 60 genera and approximately 1,300 species in North America north of Mexico alone.
Condylostylus caudatus
Condylostylus caudatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. It is a small, metallic-colored predatory fly commonly observed darting over vegetation in sunny habitats. As a member of this diverse family, it preys on other small insects. The species was first described by Wiedemann in 1830.
Condylostylus longicornis
long-legged fly
Condylostylus longicornis is a predatory long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, native to the Neotropics and southern United States. It has been introduced to multiple regions across the Pacific and Asia, including Hawaii, French Polynesia, Australia, and several South and Southeast Asian countries. The species exhibits distinctive morphological traits including an iridescent green exoskeleton, elongated legs, and a characteristic resting posture with wings held diagonally. It functions as an active predator in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Condylostylus nigrofemoratus
longlegged fly
Condylostylus nigrofemoratus is a species of longlegged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by its predatory behavior and typical dolichopodid morphology. Members of this genus are commonly encountered in gardens and along forest edges. The species was described by Walker in 1849. Like other dolichopodids, it is a small, agile predator of other small insects.
Condylostylus occidentalis
Condylostylus occidentalis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. It is a small, predatory fly typically found in gardens, forest edges, and similar sunny habitats. The species exhibits the characteristic metallic coloration and elongated legs typical of its genus. Like other dolichopodids, it is known to be an active predator of other small insects.
Condylostylus pruinosus
Condylostylus pruinosus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. Like other members of its genus, it is a small, predatory fly typically found in sunny, vegetated habitats. The species was described by Coquillett in 1904. As with most dolichopodids, species-level identification generally requires examination of male genitalia.
Condylostylus purpureus
A small predatory fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by metallic coloration and exceptionally long legs. As with most members of this diverse family, adults are active predators on other small insects. The species epithet "purpureus" suggests purple coloration, though specific descriptions of this species are limited in available sources. Condylostylus species are typically encountered in gardens, along forest edges, and similar sunny habitats where they dart over vegetation.
Condylostylus scaber
long-legged fly
Condylostylus scaber is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. These small, metallic flies are active predators of other small insects. The genus Condylostylus includes species commonly observed in gardens and forest edges across North America. Like other dolichopodids, they are known for their agility and rapid, darting flight patterns.
Condylostylus sipho
long-legged fly
Condylostylus sipho is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. Like other members of this family, it is a predatory insect active in sunny, open habitats. The species is found in North America.
Condylostylus villosus
Condylostylus villosus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Parent in 1928. Like other members of the genus, it is a predatory fly, though specific behavioral observations for this species are limited. The species is recorded from Brazil (Pará state).
Dactylomyia
Dactylomyia is a genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, comprising seven recognized species distributed across eastern North America, Central America, the Lesser Antilles, and the Hawaiian Islands. The genus was established by Aldrich in 1894 and belongs to the tribe Dactylomyiini within the subfamily Neurigoninae. One species, D. vockerothi, represents an accidental introduction to Midway Atoll in the Hawaiian Islands, likely originating from the Neotropics via the main Hawaiian islands.
Dactylomyia lateralis
Dactylomyia lateralis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, subfamily Neurigoninae. First described by Thomas Say in 1829, this species belongs to a genus of small predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs and typically metallic coloration. The species has been recorded in North America with over 340 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Diaphorinae
Diaphorinae is a subfamily of long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) characterized by high taxonomic diversity but imprecisely defined boundaries. Some researchers include genera such as Nematoproctus and Urodolichus within Diaphorinae, while others assign these to related subfamilies Rhaphiinae or Sympycninae. The subfamily contains two recognized tribes: Diaphorini and Argyrini. Members are distinguished by elongated legs and typically metallic coloration common to the family Dolichopodidae.
Diaphorus
Diaphorus is a genus of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) established by Meigen in 1824. The genus has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many former species transferred to related genera including Chrysotus, Asyndetus, and Trigonocera. Recent taxonomic work has described new species from China and clarified species boundaries. The genus is placed in the subfamily Diaphorinae.