Medeterinae
Guides
Systenus
Systenus is a genus of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae: Medeterinae) characterized by larvae that develop in dendrotelme habitats—water-filled hollow tree cavities lined with organic soil. The genus is globally uncommon in collections, likely due to its arboreal adult associations and specialized larval habitat requirements. Despite this rarity, some localities show remarkable species richness; for example, eight species were collected from a single site in Costa Rica. The genus occurs in both tropical and temperate regions, with records from Central America, South America, Europe, and North America.
Systenus albimanus
Systenus albimanus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Wirth in 1952. It belongs to the subfamily Medeterinae, a group of small to medium-sized predatory flies commonly found in moist habitats. The species is characterized by its distinctive white fore tarsi, referenced in its specific epithet 'albimanus' (white hand). Like other dolichopodids, it is presumed to be predatory as both adult and larval stages, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited.
Systenus eucercus
Systenus eucercus is a species of long-legged fly (Dolichopodidae) described by Steyskal in 1970. It belongs to the subfamily Medeterinae, a group characterized by slender bodies and elongated legs. The genus Systenus is distributed across the Holarctic region, with species often associated with moist terrestrial habitats. As with most dolichopodids, adults are predatory and contribute to insect population control in their ecosystems.