Predatory Flies : Long legged flies
categories: Natural Enemies Predatory Flies
last review date: 2025-08-23 07:02
Photo by: D.G. James
Biology
Long legged flies, as their name suggests, are graced with long legs.
These flies are ¼ to ½ inch long, metallic-green to blue and common in most gardens, favoring irrigated areas.
They prey on small, soft-bodied insects like aphids, thrips, young caterpillars and also mites.
The larvae are poorly known but are also likely to be predators or scavengers in soil and detritus.
Prey or Pest Targeted
- Mites, aphids, scale insects, thrips, caterpillars, beetle larvae, flies, wasps, grasshoppers, bees
Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies
and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden
- Native plants provide essential resources.
- Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
- Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
- Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
- Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
- Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
- Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- None recommended
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.