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Photography with cameras
Nikon D3x, Nikon D300, Canon 50D
Image editing with Photoshop |
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| | | | Long-legged flies | Long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae) are a family in the order Diptera. They are divided into the genera Achalcus, Argyra, Asyndetus, Hypocharasus, Melenderia, Orthochile, Medetera, Poecilobothrus and Thrypticus. Around 350 species are found in Germany, 2600 in Europe and 5000 worldwide. Among the best-known species is the green long-legged fly (Poecilobothrus nobilitatus).
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| | | | Long-legged flies reach body lengths of 1-8 mm. Their bodies are colourful and have a metallic sheen. They have clamp-like mouth parts. The lower lip is specially shaped for catching prey. Their antennae vary in shape. They have compound eyes which are very large in many species. | | |
| | | Their long and powerful legs are characteristic (thus: long-legged flies), and appear modified in some species. The legs are stretched out in resting position. These long, powerful legs enable them to run for long periods? and to jump long distances. Some species, walk sideways like beach crabs. The males have a distinctive, hairy brace apparatus on their abdomens.
Long-legged flies prefer to be in proximity to water. While some species prey on insects and worms, others feed on nectar and honeydew.
The females lay their eggs on rotting plants, under bark or in reeds. Some species lay their eggs in water. The larvae feed on plant substrates first, and later on small insects, often unselectively. The pupae have breathing tubes and are hidden in cocoons. | | |
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| | Further chapters of "Long-legged Flies" | |
| Description of images / photos
Photography with Cameras
Nikon D3x, Nikon D300, Canon 50D
Image editing with Photoshop | | 1. | Long-legged Flies - Dolichopodidae - Poecilobothrus nobilitatus | | 2. | Long-legged Fly - Brown | | 3. | Long-legged Fly - Dolichopodidae |
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| Frequent Queries: | | dolichopodidae (4) | | Dolichopodidae Flies (1) | | melenderia (1) | | | | |
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