Insect · GBIF taxon 1610692
Condylostylus sipho
Condylostylus siphoAlso known as Green Long-Legged Fly, Metallic Long-Legged Fly
Condylostylus sipho displays brilliant emerald metallic iridescence along its thorax and abdomen, catching bright sunlight on broad garden leaves across North America. These agile aerial hunters sit perched on foliage, waiting to dart after tiny soft-bodied insects like aphids and midges. Males perform delicate courtship displays, vibrating their wings while hovering before perched females.
PredatoryIridescentDiurnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Aphids
- Thrips
- Springtails
Predators
- Spiders
- Robber flies
- Songbirds
ThreatsBroad-spectrum pesticide use and habitat destruction
HabitatsMoist woodlands, sunlit gardens, shaded fields, and forest edges
Life span1–2 months
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderDiptera
- FamilyDolichopodidae
- GenusCondylostylus
- SpeciesCondylostylus sipho
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for bright metallic reflections on the upper surfaces of broad, sunlit leaves during warm afternoons.
- Approach: Move slowly to avoid triggering their quick flight reflex when taking close-up macro photographs.
- Garden Value: Encourage these beneficial natural predators in gardens to help control unwanted aphid populations naturally.
Prey no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh · cc0
Close Relative (c) Zachary Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Family Relative
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