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Liz Bickel | all galleries >> World of Insects: Multiple Galleries >> Flies > Long-Legged Fly 7-16-26
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16-Jul-2026 copyright Elizabeth Bickel

Long-Legged Fly 7-16-26

A long-legged fly is a common name for insects in the family Dolichopodidae

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Size: Tiny: About 2–5 mm in body length
Color: Metallic sheen giving them a gem-like appearance
Eyes: Large and prominent; in males, they are often separated on the head.
Wings: Clear or lightly patterned, often with smoky or dark tips

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Behavior and Diet
Most long-legged flies are predatory, feeding on small invertebrates such as aphids, mites, and other plant pests. Some may scavenge or act as kleptoparasites, stealing prey from other predators. If this very tiny guy can keep the aphids, mites, and other plants pests off my potted plants on the deck, he is a welcome visitor.

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If you observe these flies around your garden or home environment, enjoy the glimpse into nature’s complexity knowing they pose no threat to your health or well-being. and they can help protect your plants.

Canon EOS R6
1/100s f/20.0 at 100.0mm iso25600 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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comment
Bryan Murahashi23-Jul-2026 03:16
Excellent shiny greens and capture.
Carl Carbone22-Jul-2026 15:21
Awesome macro! Love all the green.
laine20-Jul-2026 23:07
Terrific close up...such a lovely rainbow of colours. V
Nick Paoni20-Jul-2026 20:53
Super details and awesome color combination.
joseantonio20-Jul-2026 03:13
excellent capture.V.
Hank Vander Velde20-Jul-2026 01:58
Excellent sharp close-up Liz.
larose forest photos20-Jul-2026 01:34
Exceptionally good photo of this little fly. They are so small but their metallic sheen catches the eye. I love your text too. VV
Helen Betts19-Jul-2026 13:42
Love the iridescent color in this excellent closeup.