Stilt-legged-fly
Guides
Calobatina
Calobatina is a genus of stilt-legged flies in the family Micropezidae, established by Enderlein in 1922. The genus contains at least two described species, including Calobatina geometra. These flies are characterized by their elongated, stilt-like legs and distinctive foreleg-waving behavior. The only species with documented natural history information, C. geometra, has been observed aggregating on standing dead white oak trunks in dry-mesic upland deciduous forest.
Calobatina geometra
Calobatina geometra is a species of stilt-legged fly in the family Micropezidae, occurring in the eastern United States. Adults are noted for their distinctive elongated middle and hind legs, their wasp-like appearance suggesting mimicry of ichneumonid wasps, and their characteristic behavior of waving their forelegs, which bear conspicuous white bands above black feet. The species has been observed aggregating on standing dead oak trunks in dry-mesic upland deciduous forest.
Cnodacophora nasoni
Cnodacophora nasoni is a species of stilt-legged fly in the family Micropezidae, originally described as Calobata nasoni by Cresson in 1914. Members of this family are characterized by their elongated legs and slender bodies. The species is known from limited observations in North America, with records from the Kansas City metro area during citizen science events.
Compsobata kennicotti
Compsobata kennicotti is a species of stilt-legged fly in the family Micropezidae, first described by Banks in 1926. The species was originally placed in the genus Calboata before being transferred to Compsobata. Micropezidae flies are characterized by their elongated legs and distinctive posture. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Compsobata mima
Compsobata mima is a species of stilt-legged fly in the family Micropezidae. It was originally described as Trepidaria mima by Hennig in 1936 before being transferred to the genus Compsobata. The species is known from limited observations, with only two records documented on iNaturalist. As a member of the Micropezidae, it belongs to a family characterized by elongated legs and distinctive wing-raising behavior.
Compsobata univitta
Compsobata univitta is a species of stilt-legged fly in the family Micropezidae, subfamily Calobatinae. The species was described by Walker in 1849. Stilt-legged flies are characterized by their elongated legs and distinctive posture. The genus Compsobata belongs to a group of flies commonly associated with decaying organic matter and forest floor habitats.
Grallipeza nebulosa
stilt-legged fly
Grallipeza nebulosa is a species of stilt-legged fly in the family Micropezidae. The species was originally described by Loew in 1866 under the name Calobata nebulosa. Stilt-legged flies in this family are characterized by their elongated legs and distinctive body proportions.
Hoplocheiloma totliana
Hoplocheiloma totliana is a species of stilt-legged fly in the family Micropezidae. The species was originally described by Gmelin in 1790 under the basionym Musca totliana. Members of this genus are characterized by their elongated legs and distinctive body proportions. Limited published information exists regarding the specific biology of this species.
Micropeza compar
Micropeza compar is a species of stilt-legged fly (family Micropezidae) described by Cresson in 1938. The genus Micropeza is characterized by extremely long, slender legs and a distinctive elongated body form. Members of this family are commonly known as stilt-legged flies or thread-legged flies due to their remarkable limb proportions. M. compar is one of numerous species within this diverse genus of acalyptrate flies.
Micropeza corrigiolata
stilt-legged fly
Micropeza corrigiolata is a small stilt-legged fly in the family Micropezidae, characterized by its elongated legs and slender black body with yellow abdominal markings. The species is widespread across Europe, the Near East, and has been introduced to the Nearctic realm. Adults are active during summer months and are predatory on small insects, while larvae develop as root feeders on leguminous plants.
Rainieria antennaepes
Rainieria antennaepes is a stilt-legged fly (family Micropezidae) native to eastern North America. The species is notable for its distinctive behavior of holding its white-tipped front legs aloft and waving them to mimic the antennae of ichneumonid wasps—a form of protective mimicry. It is the only member of its genus occurring in North America, making identification straightforward within its range. The specific epithet "antennaepes" translates to "antenna foot," directly referencing this remarkable leg display.
Taeniaptera trivittata
Taeniaptera trivittata is a species of stilt-legged fly in the family Micropezidae, characterized by its elongated legs and distinctive body markings. The species was first described by Macquart in 1835. As a member of the Micropezidae, it exhibits the family's typical adaptations for walking on vegetation and other surfaces. The species has been documented in numerous observations, suggesting it is relatively common within its range.