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Flies of Zihuatanejo

ORDER DIPTERA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Flies Order (Diptera)

-Brachyceran Flies (Suborder Brachycera)​

-Orthorrhaphan Flies (Infraorder Orthorrhapha)

-Soldier Flies and Allies (Parvorder Stratiomyomorpha)

-Soldier Flies (Family Stratiomyidae)

-Subfamily Sarginae​

-Genus Euryneura


These flies are usually found in warm, vegetated habitats such as forest edges, clearings, and areas with abundant plant growth. Adults are often seen resting on leaves or stems in sunny patches, where they may remain still for long periods. Like most soldier flies, adult Euryneura are not predatory; they commonly feed on nectar, pollen, or other plant-derived fluids, and may play a minor role in pollination. Their calm behaviour and wasp-like shape likely help deter predators despite their harmless nature.

Euryneura Soldier Fly

Euryneura (Genus)

Description

  • Euryneura is a genus of small flies in the family Dolichopodidae, commonly known as long-legged flies. Species are generally slender, with long legs, large compound eyes, and often metallic green, blue, bronze, or dark coloration. Members of the genus can be distinguished by combinations of body structure, wing venation, leg modifications, and other fine morphological features, particularly in males.

Range

  • Species of Euryneura occur primarily in the Americas, with species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Members of the genus occur in Mexico and Central America, and Euryneura flies can be encountered in the Zihua area.

Habitat

  • Usually found in humid, vegetated environments, including tropical forests, forest edges, streamsides, wetlands, and areas of dense vegetation. Adults commonly occur on leaves, stems, rocks, and other surfaces close to moist ground or water.

Diet

  • Adults are primarily predators of small insects and other arthropods, including tiny flies, mites, aphids, and other soft-bodied prey. They may also consume honeydew and other plant-associated liquids. Larvae generally inhabit moist soil, leaf litter, decaying vegetation, or other organic substrates where they feed on small organisms and organic matter.

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