Longlegged Fly

 

Common Name: Longlegged Fly

Scientific Name: Order Diptera, family Dolichopodidae, several species   

Size: Adult - 3/8"

Identification: Small shinny flies with metallic green, blue or copper colored and bristly bodies. Male's genitalia are large and held curved under the body. Female's abdomen ends in a point. Wings are much longer than the body. These are the pretty little green flies you see often in your garden.

Biology and Life Cycle: Adults are mostly predaceous on soft-bodied insects. Some feed on flower nectar. Larvae are round white predators and live in wet soil, rotten wood, bark, and plant stems.

Habitat: Ornamental and vegetable gardens.

Feeding Habits: Adults capture and eat many small soft-bodied troublesome insects.

Economic Importance: Adults are effective predators of mosquito larvae and many other soft-bodied insects.

Natural Control: Lizards and birds.

Organic Control: None needed.

Insight: We see lots of 'em around the vegetable garden. These are helpful flies - don't hurt 'em!


 

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