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Dolichopodidae

Pronunciation:  [Dolly·co·PODE·i⋅dae]

Common Name:  Long-legged Flies

Description:  The bodies of these small to medium-sized flies are distinctly metallic in color — especially shades of blue, blue-green, and copper.   They are active flies that perch briefly on vegetation in patches of sunlight.   Most species are predatory both as larvae and adults.

dolichopodid01

Spot ID Key Characters:

  1. Metallic body color
  2. Long, stilt-like legs
  3. Prominent compound eyes
  4. Antenna with a long terminal bristle

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Order:  Diptera