DipteraDolichopodidae – Longlegged Flies

Dolichopus absonus

This record describes Dolichopus absonus (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.

Identification and Appearance

Similar to Dolichopus cuprinus , except in male secondary sexual characters: Female is not distinguishable from species related to cuprinus , except longipennis has wing slightly narrowed at base.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera (Flies)
Superfamily
Empidoidea
Family
Dolichopodidae (Longlegged Flies)
Subfamily
Dolichopodinae
Genus
Dolichopus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Iowa to Montreal

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dolichopus absonus. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Diptera includes over 150,000 described species of flies, mosquitoes, and midges. Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on Earth (CDC). Malaria alone causes ~249 million cases and over 608,000 deaths annually, mostly children under 5 (WHO). Vector-borne diseases account for over 17% of all infectious diseases, causing 700,000+ deaths per year.

Ecological role of the group

Despite their disease impact, flies are critical decomposers and pollinators. Hoverflies alone pollinate hundreds of crop and wildflower species. Flies are also the primary food source for many birds, bats, and fish. Forensic entomology relies heavily on fly species for crime scene analysis.

Economic and practical significance of the group

In the U.S., vector-borne disease cases tripled between 2004-2016, with over 640,000 cases reported in that period (CDC). Tickborne diseases doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 annual reports. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases cost billions in healthcare and lost productivity.

Recorded sources for this group: WHO, CDC, PNAS. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Diptera families and species →

Frequently Asked Questions About Dolichopus absonus

What is Dolichopus absonus?

Dolichopus absonus is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.

How do you identify Dolichopus absonus?

Similar to Dolichopus cuprinus , except in male secondary sexual characters: Female is not distinguishable from species related to cuprinus , except longipennis has wing slightly narrowed at base.

Where is Dolichopus absonus found?

Range: Iowa to Montreal