More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Flies of Zihuatanejo
ORDER DIPTERA
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)
-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)
-Brachyceran Flies (Suborder Brachycera)
-Orthorrhaphan Flies (Infraorder Orthorrhapha)
-Dance Flies, Long-legged Flies, and Allies (Superfamily Empidoidea)
-Long-legged Flies (Family Dolichopodidae)
-Subfamily Diaphorinae
-Tribe Argyrini
-Genus Argyra
Argyra flies are active predators. They are most often found in moist, shaded environments such as forest understories, wetlands, and stream margins, where they rest on foliage or low vegetation. From these perches, they hunt small, soft-bodied insects—such as aphids, springtails, and other minute arthropods—using quick bursts of movement to capture prey. The larvae of Argyra are less commonly observed but are thought to inhabit damp soil, leaf litter, or decaying organic matter, where they likely prey on tiny invertebrates.
Argyra Long-legged Flies
Argyra (Genus)
Description
Argyra is a genus of small to medium-sized flies in the family Dolichopodidae, commonly known as long-legged flies. Species are typically slender, with relatively long legs and often metallic green, blue, bronze, or silvery body surfaces. The wings are generally clear, and males may have distinctive modifications of the legs, wings, or other structures used in courtship and species recognition.
Range
Species of Argyra occur primarily in the Northern Hemisphere, with representatives in North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions. Several species occur in Mexico and throughout the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. Argyra flies can be encountered in the Zihua area, particularly in suitable vegetated habitats.
Habitat
Usually found in moist or humid environments with vegetation, including forest edges, woodland, streamsides, wetlands, gardens, and areas with dense low vegetation. Adults are often found resting on leaves and other vegetation or moving rapidly across foliage and other surfaces.
Diet
Adults are primarily predators of small insects and other arthropods, including tiny flies and other soft-bodied prey. They may also consume honeydew and other plant-associated fluids.