Long Legged Fly—Over 7,000 Species of
This Beneficial Insect
The long legged fly has over 7,000 known species. It's found near swamps and streams, in woodlands and meadows, on foliage, tree bark and the flowers of many plants.
Both adult and larval stages are beneficial. Adults prey on smaller insects, including aphids.
The larvae, which are also predators, live in damp habitats such as decaying logs and moist organic soil.
Long legged fly larvae create cocoons made up of soil particles cemented together.
The mating of the adults consists of elaborate behavior involving the males showing off their legs to the female.
Description
- They range in size from 1/8 inch to about 1/4 inch (3-6 mm) long. They're colorful flies. Many have metallic green, blue or copper-colored bodies.
- The numerous species in this family of true flies are very different in their appearance and biology.
- Their wings are clear, and some have dark wing tips.
- They are characterized by 2 long wings and long slender legs.
Long Legged Fly Prey
Most long legged flies prey or scavenge on small arthropods, including mites, thrips, psocids, aphids, and other insect larvae.
Watch this 7 second video that shows a live long legged fly.
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