Mandible-like-labellae
Guides
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.