DipteraDolichopodidae – Longlegged Flies

Dolichopus brevimanus

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

Identification and Appearance

Dolichopus brevimanus - Dolichopus brevimanus
Contributed by John F. Carr

Distinguished from Dolichopus albicoxa by the plain fore tarsi of the male.

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

Northeastern North America

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: "short hands"

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dolichopus brevimanus. 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 →

Photos of Dolichopus brevimanus (2)

Dolichopus brevimanus - photo 1
Contributed by John F. Carr
Dolichopus brevimanus - photo 2
Contributed by John F. Carr

Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr

Frequently Asked Questions About Dolichopus brevimanus

What is Dolichopus brevimanus?

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

How do you identify Dolichopus brevimanus?

Distinguished from Dolichopus albicoxa by the plain fore tarsi of the male.

Where is Dolichopus brevimanus found?

Range: Northeastern North America

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.