Fast-moving
Guides
Condylostylus melampus
long-legged fly
Condylostylus melampus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1862. As a member of the large and diverse genus Condylostylus, it shares the family's characteristic predatory habits and metallic coloration. The species is part of a family containing approximately 1,300 species in North America north of Mexico alone.
Dolichopus eudactylus
Dolichopus eudactylus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1861. As a member 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 part of a family with approximately 1,300 species in North America north of Mexico alone. Like other dolichopodids, D. eudactylus is predatory on small insects and is typically found in sunny, open habitats.
Scutigera coleoptrata
House Centipede, Thousand-legger
Scutigera coleoptrata, commonly known as the house centipede, is a fast-moving predatory centipede native to the Mediterranean region that has become cosmopolitan through human commerce. Adults possess 15 pairs of extremely long, delicate legs and well-developed faceted eyes—unusual traits among centipedes. They are synanthropic, thriving in human dwellings where they hunt household arthropods. Despite their alarming appearance and speed, they pose minimal threat to humans and are considered beneficial predators of pests.
Scutigeridae
house centipedes, typical house centipedes
Scutigeridae is a family of centipedes commonly known as house centipedes, characterized by their synanthropic habits and frequent association with human dwellings. The family includes well-known species such as Scutigera coleoptrata and Allothereua maculata, which have been anthropogenically introduced worldwide. Members of this family are fast-moving predators with elongated legs adapted for rapid locomotion. The family comprises approximately 25 genera, with fossil evidence dating to the Early Cretaceous.