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 Sciapodinae
-Tribe Sciapodini
-Genus Condylostylus
Flies of the genus Condylostylus are members of the long-legged fly family Dolichopodidae, known for their brilliant metallic coloration and delicate, agile build. These small flies often shimmer in shades of green, blue, or bronze, with a polished, iridescent body that reflects light vividly in sunny conditions. They are active, fast-moving predators, frequently seen darting across leaves or making short, quick flights as they hunt for tiny insects such as gnats, aphids, and other soft-bodied prey.
Condylostylus Long-legged Fly
Condylostylus (Genus)
Description
Condylostylus is a large and diverse genus of long-legged flies in the family Dolichopodidae. Species are generally small, slender flies with long legs, large eyes, and often striking metallic green, blue, bronze, or golden coloration. Many species have distinctive leg or wing markings, particularly in males, and are agile runners and fliers that frequently move rapidly across leaves and other surfaces.
Range
Species of Condylostylus occur primarily in the Americas, with particularly high diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Numerous species occur from the southern United States through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Condylostylus flies can be encountered in the Zihua area.
Habitat
Commonly found in warm, humid habitats with abundant vegetation, including tropical forests, forest edges, streamsides, wetlands, gardens, and disturbed areas. Adults frequently occur on leaves and stems, where they move quickly across surfaces or make short flights when disturbed.
Diet
Adults are primarily predators of small insects and other arthropods, including tiny flies, aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied prey. They may also consume honeydew and other plant-associated liquids. The larvae generally live in moist soil, leaf litter, decaying vegetation, or other organic substrates and feed on small organisms and decomposing material.