# Condylostylus Caudatus

The Condylostylus Caudatus is a fascinating little fly that flits about in gardens and meadows. With its long legs and delicate wings, it’s like a tiny superhero of the insect world!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger
- **Habitat:** Condylostylus Caudatus lives in moist environments like gardens, marshes, and near water bodies.
- **Also known as:** Wetland Fly

![Condylostylus Caudatus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Condylostylus_caudatus_P1460460a.jpg&width=800)

Photo: xpda, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Condylostylus_caudatus_P1460460a.jpg)

## Appearance

The Condylostylus Caudatus is a small, slender fly with a dazzling metallic green or blue body and remarkably long legs. Males often boast elaborate, feathery structures on their modified front tarsi, which shimmer in the light. Its iridescent sheen makes it visually distinct, often appearing like a tiny jewel darting through foliage.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Diptera
- **Family:** Dolichopodidae
- **Genus:** Condylostylus

## Interesting facts

- Despite their small size, these flies are incredibly agile, capable of darting and hovering with amazing speed.
- Some male Condylostylus flies have legs so fancy, they look like they're wearing feathery boots!
- These tiny predators are like miniature jungle cats, ambushing smaller insects!
- They often clean their long legs with their mouthparts, like a meticulous dancer preparing for a show!

## Special abilities

- **Fancy Footwork:** Condylostylus Caudatus performs elaborate dances using its specially modified legs that help them attract a mate.
- **Shimmering Shield:** Condylostylus Caudatus has a metallic body that helps them blend into green foliage or shimmer to confuse predators.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 5-8 mm
- **Size:** 3-5 mm
- **Lifespan:** 10-30 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

This speedy fly eats tiny insects, helping to keep garden pests in check!

- **Age differences:** Larvae are also predatory, often found in moist soil or decaying matter.
- **Primary Foods:** aphids, mites, collembola, small larvae, pollen, nectar
- **Foraging Method:** Pursuit

## Ecological connections

- **Hunts:** Cotton Aphid (*Aphis gossypii*) — a common meal for the fly
- **Eaten by:** [Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Argiope aurantia*) — may become tangled in spiderwebs
- **Depends on:** Jewelweed (*Impatiens capensis*) — finds shelter and hunts on its leaves

## Traits

- [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger

No special safety notes yet.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Condylostylus Caudatus?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Condylostylus Caudatus's wingspan?

5-8 mm

### How big is Condylostylus Caudatus?

3-5 mm

### How long does Condylostylus Caudatus live?

10-30 days

### What does Condylostylus Caudatus eat?

This speedy fly eats tiny insects, helping to keep garden pests in check!

### Where is Condylostylus Caudatus usually found?

Condylostylus Caudatus lives in moist environments like gardens, marshes, and near water bodies.

### How does Condylostylus Caudatus hunt?

Pursuit

### How many legs does Condylostylus Caudatus have?

6

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Condylostylus Caudatus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/condylostylus-caudatus)