| "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
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