Long-Legged Flies

Family Dolichopodidae

Dolichopus finitus. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

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. 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.