This Long-legged Fly is about 3/8 inch (10 mm) in length. It has large eyes that are red above and green below. The thorax is green and copper colored and has long, black bristles. The abdomen is banded black and white. The wings are translucent. The legs are long and black. This fly was identified by volunteer experts from the BugGuide website.
The frequency of occurrence is not known. This fly was photographed in the stream in Mormon Hollow, Fontenelle Forest in late October 2011.
This is the only member of the sub-family Plagioneurinae in North America. It ranges from the central and southeastern US to the neo-tropics. These flies are predators of mites, aphids and smaller flies. Mating behavior is elaborate involving males displaying their legs to the females. Larvae develop in wet to dry soil and pupate in cocoons made up of soil particles cemented together.
Disclaimer: The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Babs Padelford.