Flavigaster

Flavigaster is a genus of flies belonging to the family Dolichopodidae. These are small to medium-sized flies, often characterized by their metallic coloration and long legs. The genus Flavigaster is primarily found in the Neotropical region. Species within this genus typically inhabit forest environments, often near water sources.

The term "flavigaster" is derived from Latin, with "flavi" meaning yellow and "gaster" referring to the abdomen, suggesting that some species may have a yellow abdomen, though this coloration is not a universal characteristic and can vary among species and sexes. Like other dolichopodids, adult Flavigaster flies are predatory, feeding on small invertebrates such as mites and springtails. Their long legs are adapted for walking and running on various substrates, including foliage and damp ground. The larvae of Flavigaster are believed to be predatory as well, living in soil or decaying organic matter. Further research is ongoing to fully understand the ecological roles and life cycles of the various species within the Flavigaster genus.