Bure Long-legged Fly
Dolichopus nigripes
The Bure Long-legged Fly (Dolichopus nigripes) is a small metallic green dipteran with distinctively elongated black legs and iridescent wing patterns. This predatory fly plays a crucial ecological role as both predator of smaller insects and prey for spiders and birds in its wetland ecosystem.
7
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Dolichopodidae
Genus
Dolichopus
Bure Long-legged Fly belongs to the family Dolichopodidae, order Diptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The Bure Long-legged Fly (Dolichopus nigripes) is a small metallic green dipteran with distinctively elongated black legs and iridescent wing patterns. This predatory fly plays a crucial ecological role as both predator of smaller insects and prey for spiders and birds in its wetland ecosystem. Males are known for their elaborate courtship displays involving wing positioning and leg movements.
The Bure Long-legged Fly faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss of suitable wetland environments essential for its survival. Agricultural intensification, urban development, and water pollution in its limited range have reduced the quality and availability of the moist substrates and aquatic margins this species requires for breeding and foraging.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits moist soil environments, muddy shores, and margins of freshwater bodies including streams, ponds, and wetlands. Adults are typically found on wet substrates and vegetation near water sources where they hunt for small prey.
Threats
Agricultural intensification
Habitat loss and degradation
Climate change impacts on wetland systems
Urban development pressure
Water pollution and contamination
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Bure Long-legged Fly (Dolichopus nigripes). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bure-long-legged-fly