The Dolichopodidae are a large and widespread family of true flies, commonly known as long-legged flies. There are more than 7,000 described species in about 230 genera found all over the world, including many in the UK.

These flies are usually small and slender, often only a few millimetres long, and are easily recognised by their long, delicate legs and shiny metallic colours—most often green, blue, or bronze. They have large, prominent eyes and display a wide range of body shapes and patterns, depending on the species.

Adult long-legged flies are predators, feeding on smaller insects and other tiny invertebrates, which they catch using quick, darting movements. They can often be seen hunting on leaves, mud, or stone surfaces in sunny spots.

The larvae of many species live in damp soil, decaying vegetation, or wet margins of ponds and streams, where they too feed on small invertebrates or organic matter.

Long-legged flies are common in gardens, grasslands, and woodland edges, especially in warm weather. Despite their small size, they are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to control pest insects and providing food for spiders, birds, and other predators.