Dolichopodidae
Guides
Diaphorus nigricans
Diaphorus nigricans is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Meigen in 1824. The species has a broad distribution across the Holarctic realm, extending southward into the Neotropics. Records indicate presence in Europe (Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Sweden), Brazil (Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro), and other regions. As a member of Dolichopodidae, it shares the family's characteristic elongated legs and metallic coloration typical of long-legged flies.
Diaphorus pseudopacus
Diaphorus pseudopacus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Robinson in 1964. It belongs to the genus Diaphorus, a group of small to medium-sized flies characterized by their elongated legs and metallic coloration. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only 5 records on iNaturalist as of the source date. The specific epithet "pseudopacus" suggests a resemblance to or relationship with D. opacus, though the precise nature of this distinction requires examination of type specimens.
Dolichopus acuminatus
Dolichopus acuminatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. The genus Dolichopus is characterized by small to medium-sized predatory flies, typically exhibiting metallic coloration. As with other members of this family, D. acuminatus likely shares the characteristic elongated legs and predatory habits typical of the group.
Dolichopus aethiops
Dolichopus aethiops is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1921. Members of this genus are predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs and often metallic coloration. The species is part of a large and diverse family of small to medium-sized flies that are active hunters of other small insects. As with most Dolichopus species, positive identification typically requires examination of male genitalia.
Dolichopus aurifex
Dolichopus aurifex is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1921. As a member of the genus Dolichopus, it shares characteristics with other species in this group, including elongated legs and metallic coloration typical of many dolichopodids. The species belongs to a diverse family of predatory flies known for their agility and complex courtship behaviors.
Dolichopus consanguineus
Dolichopus consanguineus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Wheeler in 1899. Members of the genus Dolichopus are small predatory flies characterized by elongated legs and often metallic coloration. As with other dolichopodids, this species likely exhibits complex courtship behaviors involving modified male tarsi.
Dolichopus distinctus
Dolichopus distinctus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1921. The genus Dolichopus is among the most diverse in the family, with males typically possessing ornamented front tarsi used in courtship displays. Species in this family are predatory as adults, feeding on small insects. Like most dolichopodids, D. distinctus is likely metallic in coloration and associated with moist or vegetated habitats where prey is abundant.
Dolichopus domesticus
Dolichopus domesticus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1921. Members of this genus are small, metallic-colored predatory flies known for their elongated legs and agile flight. Like other dolichopodids, they are predators of small insects. The specific epithet "domesticus" suggests an association with human-modified environments, though detailed ecological data for this particular species is limited.
Dolichopus gratus
Dolichopus gratus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. As a member of this large and diverse family, it shares the characteristic predatory habits and metallic coloration typical of dolichopodids. The genus Dolichopus is one of the most species-rich genera in the family, with males possessing distinctive ornamented front tarsi used in courtship displays. Specific ecological details for D. gratus remain poorly documented in available sources.
Dolichopus lamellicornis
Dolichopus lamellicornis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Thomson in 1869. It is currently classified as a synonym of Hygroceleuthus lamellicornis. Like other members of the genus Dolichopus, it belongs to a diverse family of small, predatory flies known for their metallic coloration and agile flight. The species is known from very few observations, suggesting it may be rare, localized, or under-recorded.
Dolichopus longimanus
Dolichopus longimanus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. As a member of the genus Dolichopus, it shares the characteristic elongated legs and metallic coloration typical of this diverse group of predatory flies. The species epithet 'longimanus' refers to its long forelegs or 'hands'. Like other dolichopodids, it is likely a small, active predator of other small insects.
Dolichopus longipennis
Dolichopus longipennis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. Members of this family are known for their elongated legs and metallic coloration. The genus Dolichopus is one of the largest genera within Dolichopodidae.
Dolichopus occidentalis
Dolichopus occidentalis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Aldrich in 1893. It belongs to a large genus of predatory flies known for their elongated legs and metallic coloration. The specific epithet 'occidentalis' suggests a western geographic association. As with other members of Dolichopodidae, it is presumed to be predatory, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Dolichopus ovatus
Dolichopus ovatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. The species was described by Loew in 1861. Like other members of the genus Dolichopus, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory flies characterized by elongated legs and often metallic coloration. Very few specific details about this particular species have been documented in accessible literature.
Dolichopus plumipes
Dolichopus plumipes is a long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by modified male mid tibiae bearing a longitudinal narrow dark streak. The species belongs to the D. plumipes species group, which comprises eleven Palaearctic species distinguished by modified male mid tibiae and/or mid basitarsi. It is a predatory fly active in sunny habitats.
Dolichopus porphyrops
Dolichopus porphyrops is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1921. Like other members of the genus Dolichopus, it belongs to a diverse group of small, predatory flies characterized by elongated legs and often metallic coloration. The species is known from limited distribution records in the northeastern United States.
Dolichopus pulchrimanus
Dolichopus pulchrimanus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Bigot in 1888. The genus Dolichopus is one of the largest genera within this diverse family of predatory flies. Like other members of its genus, it possesses characteristically elongated legs and likely exhibits predatory behavior on small insects. Species-level identification within Dolichopus typically requires examination of male genitalia.
Dolichopus ramifer
Dolichopus ramifer is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. Members of the genus Dolichopus are predatory flies known for their elongated legs and often metallic coloration. Males of the genus possess modified front tarsi adorned with scale-like ornaments used in courtship displays. The species is part of a large and diverse family with complex identification requirements.
Dolichopus remipes
long-legged fly
Dolichopus remipes is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, a diverse group of predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs and often metallic coloration. The species was described by Wahlberg in 1839 and is known from European localities. As with other members of the genus Dolichopus, it likely exhibits the family's characteristic predatory behavior on small insects, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Dolichopus scapularis
long-legged fly
Dolichopus scapularis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1861. Members of this family are small to medium-sized flies, typically metallic in coloration, and are predatory on other small insects. The genus Dolichopus is one of the largest genera within the family, with males often possessing distinctive modifications to their fore tarsi used in courtship displays.
Dolichopus setifer
Dolichopus setifer is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. As a member of the genus Dolichopus, it shares traits with other species in this group, including elongated legs and predatory habits. Adults are typically found in moist habitats near water. The species has been documented in 46 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists.
Dolichopus sincerus
Dolichopus sincerus is a species of long-legged fly described by Melander in 1900. It belongs to the genus Dolichopus, a large group within the family Dolichopodidae. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be predatory on small insects. The species is known from limited records, with only one observation documented in iNaturalist.
Dolichopus tenuipes
Dolichopus tenuipes is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Aldrich in 1894. The genus Dolichopus is one of the largest genera of long-legged flies, with members characterized by elongated legs and often metallic coloration. Males of most Dolichopus species possess specialized scales on the front tarsi that function in courtship displays. The specific epithet 'tenuipes' refers to slender or thin feet, suggesting distinctive leg morphology.
Dolichopus tonsus
Dolichopus tonsus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. As a member of the genus Dolichopus, it belongs to a diverse group of small, predatory flies known for their metallic coloration and elongated legs. The genus Dolichopus is characterized by males having modified front tarsi adorned with special scales used in courtship displays. Species-level identification within Dolichopus generally requires examination of male genitalia.
Dolichopus variabilis
Dolichopus variabilis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. The genus Dolichopus is one of the most species-rich genera within this family, characterized by males having specialized ornamentation on their front tarsi used in courtship displays. Members of this family are predatory on other small insects. The specific epithet "variabilis" suggests morphological variation, though detailed species-level documentation for this particular taxon is limited in available sources.
Dolichopus vigilans
Dolichopus vigilans is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Aldrich in 1893. Like other members of this diverse family, it is likely predatory on small insects. The genus Dolichopus is characterized by males having ornamented front tarsi used in courtship displays. Species-level information for D. vigilans is extremely limited, with only two observations recorded on iNaturalist and minimal published biological data.
Elmohardyia atlantica-complex
Elmohardyia atlantica-complex is a species complex within the long-legged fly family Dolichopodidae. The group comprises morphologically similar species that have not been fully resolved taxonomically, likely due to cryptic diversity and insufficient sampling. Members are small to medium predatory flies associated with forested habitats. The complex is part of a Neotropical genus with limited published ecological or behavioral documentation.
Ethiromyia
Ethiromyia is a genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, established by Brooks & Wheeler in 2005. The genus was created to accommodate three species previously classified under Gymnopternus or Hercostomus. It is distributed across the Holarctic realm, with species found in Europe and eastern North America.
Gymnopternus annulatus
Gymnopternus annulatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1926. The genus Gymnopternus belongs to the subfamily Dolichopodinae, a group of predatory flies known for their elongated legs and metallic coloration. This species is currently accepted in taxonomic databases but has no documented observations in community science platforms. The specific epithet 'annulatus' typically refers to ringed or banded markings, though the precise morphological features distinguishing this species from congeners remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
Gymnopternus difficilis
Gymnopternus difficilis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. The genus Gymnopternus belongs to the subfamily Dolichopodinae, a diverse group of predatory flies commonly known as long-legged flies. Members of this family are typically associated with moist habitats and are known for their metallic coloration and elongated legs. This species is documented from a limited number of observations, with 7 records on iNaturalist suggesting it is rarely encountered or potentially underreported.
Gymnopternus exilis
Gymnopternus exilis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. It belongs to the subfamily Dolichopodinae. The genus Gymnopternus comprises small to medium-sized predatory flies characterized by their elongated legs. Very little specific information is available about this particular species beyond its taxonomic placement.
Gymnopternus flavus
Gymnopternus flavus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. It was described by Loew in 1861. The species belongs to a genus of predatory flies characterized by elongated legs and metallic coloration. Records indicate occurrence in Vermont and elsewhere in the United States.
Gymnopternus subulatus
Gymnopternus subulatus is a species of long-legged fly described by Loew in 1861. It belongs to the family Dolichopodidae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized predatory flies known for their elongated legs. The genus Gymnopternus is part of the subfamily Dolichopodinae.
Gymnopternus vockerothi
Gymnopternus vockerothi is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Robinson in 1964. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive wing venation and elongated legs typical of the family. The species epithet honors Canadian entomologist John R. Vockeroth.
Hydatostega plumbea
Hydatostega plumbea is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Aldrich in 1911. It belongs to the subfamily Hydrophorinae, a group of predatory flies often associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The genus Hydatostega is characterized by species with hydrophilous tendencies. Information on this species remains sparse, with only 5 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Hydatostega viridiflos
Hydatostega viridiflos is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. It is distributed across North America with three recognized subspecies showing distinct geographic patterns. The nominate subspecies occurs along the Atlantic coast of northeastern North America, while the other two subspecies are found in western regions.
Hydrophorus
Hydrophorus is a genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae, distinguished by their ability to move across and jump from water surfaces without penetrating the surface film. These small predatory flies exhibit specialized locomotor adaptations for aquatic surface environments, including elongated middle and hind legs used for propulsion during jumping. They are part of a diverse family of metallic, predatory flies that occupy varied habitats from terrestrial foliage to aquatic margins.
Hydrophorus aestuum
Hydrophorus aestuum is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. Like other members of the genus Hydrophorus, it is adapted to semi-aquatic environments where it skates across water surfaces. The species was described by Loew in 1869. Adults are predatory on small insects and other invertebrates, including mosquito larvae.
Hydrophorus chrysologus
Hydrophorus chrysologus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, subfamily Hydrophorinae. It belongs to a genus specialized for life on water surfaces, where adults skate across puddles, intermittent streams, and lake margins using surface tension. Like other dolichopodids, it is predatory on small insects and other arthropods. The species was described by Walker in 1849.
Hypocharassus
Hypocharassus is a genus of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) comprising five described species distributed across the Nearctic, Oriental, and Palearctic regions. The genus is the sole member of the tribe Hypocharassini within subfamily Hydrophorinae. Species are associated with marine and coastal habitats, with adults flying low over wet sand and larvae inhabiting intertidal zones. The Korean species H. cavitarsus represents the first Palearctic record, expanding the genus's known range.
Liancalus genualis
Liancalus genualis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, notable as the only member of its genus known from eastern North America. Like other dolichopodids, it is a predatory fly. The species was described by Loew in 1861.
Liancalus hydrophilus
Liancalus hydrophilus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Aldrich in 1893. It belongs to a genus whose members are associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. Like other dolichopodids, adults are predatory on small insects. The species epithet 'hydrophilus' (water-loving) reflects its affinity for moist environments. Very few observations of this species have been documented.
Liancalus limbatus
Liancalus limbatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1917. The genus Liancalus belongs to the subfamily Hydrophorinae, a group associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. Like other dolichopodids, members of this genus are predatory as adults. The specific epithet "limbatus" refers to a bordered or edged characteristic, though the precise morphological basis for this name is not documented in available sources.
Liancalus querulus
Liancalus querulus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Osten Sacken in 1877. As a member of this large and diverse family, it shares the characteristic elongated legs and metallic coloration typical of dolichopodids. The genus Liancalus includes species associated with moist habitats, though specific details for L. querulus remain limited in available sources.
Medetera aberrans
Medetera aberrans is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Wheeler in 1899. It occurs in eastern North America, where adults are frequently encountered in wet grasslands and marshes. The species exhibits metallic green coloration with yellow legs, characteristic of many dolichopodids. It belongs to the aberrans species group within Medetera, a group that has alternatively been treated as the separate genus Saccopheronta.
Medetera apicalis
Medetera apicalis is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. It occurs in Europe and North America, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The species is associated with old-growth forest habitats, where adults have been observed beneath bark and on fruiting bodies of wood-decaying fungi such as Fomitopsis pinicola. As a member of the genus Medetera, it shares the characteristic behavior of perching on tree trunks in a distinctive tiptoe posture.
Medetera bistriata
Medetera bistriata is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae. Adults are commonly observed on tree trunks in pine forests, where they adopt a characteristic tiptoe posture. The larvae are specialized predators of bark beetles, particularly species in the genera Dendroctonus and Ips. The species is recognized as an important biological control agent of the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis).
Medetera vittata
Medetera vittata is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Van Duzee in 1919. Like other members of the genus Medetera, it is associated with tree trunks and is predatory on other small insects. The species is part of a diverse family of predatory flies known for their metallic coloration and agile movements.
Medeterinae
Medeterinae is a subfamily of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) comprising approximately 40 genera arranged in four tribes: Medeterini, Systenini, Thrypticini, and Udzungwomyiini. The group includes both extant and fossil genera, with several described from amber deposits. The subfamily is most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions, with particular richness in the Afrotropical and Oriental realms.
Melanderia
Melanderia is a genus of long-legged flies (family Dolichopodidae) endemic to the West Coast of the United States. Members of this genus inhabit the intertidal zone, an unusual habitat for dolichopodid flies. Adults possess modified labellae that resemble mandibles, a distinctive morphological adaptation. The genus comprises four described species divided into two subgenera: Melanderia and Wirthia.