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Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial
Feeding Habits
Adults: predaceous
Immatures: predaceous
Size: 1 to 9 mm
Flight : strong flier
North American Species: 1230
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Diptera Dolichopodidae
Long-legged flies
Front Wings: membranous
Hind Wings: reduced to halteres
Mouthparts: sucking
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: straight
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: unmodified
Special Characteristics:
Small to very small flies, usually metallic green, blue or coppery. They have long legs and the males have large genitalia that are folded under the abdomen. The females have the end of the abdomen pointed.
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Comments: The adults are common near marshes and streams in forests. The larvae live in damp soil, rotting wood, or water. The males of some species have complicated courtship dances to attract females. These dances are often aided by modified antennae legs or wings in the males.
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