Hybotid dance flies

Platypalpus is a genus of hybotid dance fly. It occurs worldwide. There are at least 580 described species of Platypalpus worldwide, more than 100 species in North America north of Mexico, 30 to 35 species in eastern United States, and at least 3 species in Minnesota. Some species are found in meadows, others in woodlands.

Adults use their strong middle legs holding prey.

Platypalpus is a common, predaceous, minute to small fly. With so many species and a diversity of characteristics having too many gradations they are difficult to identify beyond the genus level.

Adults are robust and 1⁄16″ to ⅛″ (1.4 to 4.0 mm.) in length. Most species are black, some are brownish-yellow. Most have yellow legs. The third segment (femur) of the middle leg is enlarged and thickened, is covered below with small hairs or spines, and has a spur at the tip. The fourth segment (tibia) is shorter than the femur. The wings are clear. They do not have dark markings but are sometimes darkened near the base.