Dolichopus plumipes
This record describes Dolichopus plumipes (species). Recorded family: Dolichopodidae. Recorded order: Diptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a small dolichopid fly with a metallic green thorax. Males have strangely adorned legs, with which they impress the females. Dolichopus plumipes is very similar to Dolichopus wahlbergi and detailed examination is necessary to distinguish between the two. Female D. wahlbergi lack the black tip to the hind tibia. Grassland, often in damper areas and at woodland edge. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
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
Habitat
Grassland, often in damper areas and at woodland edge.
Seasonal Activity
Late May to early September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Diptera, the group containing Dolichopus plumipes. 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.
Photos of Dolichopus plumipes (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Dolichopus plumipes
What is Dolichopus plumipes?
Dolichopus plumipes is a species in the family Dolichopodidae, within the order Diptera.
Where is Dolichopus plumipes found?
Habitat: Grassland, often in damper areas and at woodland edge.
When is Dolichopus plumipes active?
Dolichopus plumipes: seasonal activity - Late May to early September..