| "Adult dolichopodids range in size from
about 1-9 mm in length and can be recognized by
their elongate legs, reduced wing venation,
aristate antennae, and relatively slender build.
Most species are metallic greenish-blue to
greenish-bronze, while some others are
non-metallic yellowish, or brown to black.
Males are known for their wide array of
secondary sexual characteristics which have been
invaluable features for recognizing species.
Male secondary sexual characteristics often
include modifications of the antennae, palps,
wings and, typically, the legs. Larvae are
whitish, cylindrical and relatively slender with
distinct creeping welts on segments 4 to 11.
Adults longlegged flies are predaceous,
feeding primarily on small, soft-bodied
arthropods and annelids, and are important
natural enemies of pests in a variety of
habitats including agroecosystems. Adult and
larval forms of Diptera are their most favored
prey, especially Chironomidae and Culicidae,
followed by Homoptera, Collembola, mites and
Thysanoptera. Other documented prey items
include annelids, cladocerans, amphipods, small
myriapods, odonate eggs, termites, psocopterans,
beetle larvae, early instar caterpillars, dead
and wounded arthropods and amphibian embryos.
Although the adults of some dolichopodids
are known to use their forelegs to hold and
manipulate their prey, most grab and masticate
prey with their epipharynx and labellum, suck up
the liquids and discard the remains. In addition
to feeding on live prey, many dolichopodids have
also been observed taking up honeydew, and it is
thought that most species do so in order to
obtain carbohydrates. Adults of some
Dolichopodinae have elongate mouthparts and are
known to be anthophilous and feed on nectar."
--North
American Dipterist Society, Empidoid Resources |
