AKA Condylostylus mundus
![](https://itsamyisaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_4062.jpg?w=768)
I don’t know which is worse: the common name or the Latin name.
When I noticed this stunning bug on a wildflower that is growing up through my rosebush, its legs weren’t the first thing I thought about, nor clamored to see. My first thought wasn’t “I need to be able to judge its leg length compared to other flies’ leg lengths!” I had never seen one of these before, and I am not sure that I ever will again. It is not native to my area.
I tried not to scare it away as I reached for my phone. You know how I like to chase things that are cute – or in this case stunningly beautiful – and you know how they run away from me (bunnies, bumblebees, butterflies, I’m looking at you…). I inched closer to this marvelous being, and was able to capture a few shots. Unfortunately, my phone was completely captivated and was unable to focus on the creature very well, and I ended up with only one decent photo.
After the Beauty Queen of the Backyard flew off, I went inside and did some research. Google told me this electrifyingly blue-green insect was called a Long-Legged Fly. First of all, this bug did not have Daddy-Long Leg legs – that would have been pretty obvious, and honestly? Ridiculous. My second complaint was: why are we focusing on legs when we have an entire blue-green iridescent body that is deserving of a better name than one given to a hillbilly at a dive bar in a Holler?
And then there is the Latin, official name: Condylostylus mundus. Really? The only thing I see here is stylus, and maybe that is vaguely appropriate, but we need to alter the word to stylish.
![](https://itsamyisaid.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/img_4149-1.jpg?w=379)
In summary, I have renamed this fly, which, by the way, eats aphids and other pests, and is completely not like the regular fly that we associate with trash and maggots. (Sidebar: I absolutely abhor maggots, and will run for the hills, alternatively screeching and gagging if I see even one of them.) Flies are disgusting. I know they’re necessary, but I also know every time they land they throw up, and I can be down with the delectable bee vomit, but I am not down with fly vomit under any circumstances.
But I digress. Back to the stylish fly. I’ve decided to rename it, and I think that the governing bodies of naming insects should listen to me.
Stylishirridescentbluegreenfly regularlengthlegs
Good name. A bit long maybe but still a good name.
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Thanks. It’s not about brevity. It’s about doing what’s right. 😆
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Such a better name. the classification committee needs to get in touch with you for some excellent naming suggestions.
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Thank you! I wish the committee would get in touch with me! 😉😊
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Hahaha … so much better ❤ !! Happy Weekend 🙂
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😊 haha, thanks, Siri! I hope your weekend is going well! ♥️
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Beautiful fly!
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Yes, I agree!
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The name lol but your images are beautiful and vibrant 😍 love them!
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Thanks, Laura. 😊I had to come up and even more ridiculous name than the original. 😂
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Haha! Very clever 😆
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😂😊
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Your comment could playfully reflect on the author’s spirited advocacy for renaming the Long-Legged Fly:
It’s refreshing to see someone challenge the conventional names given to creatures we encounter. Your enthusiasm for renaming the Long-Legged Fly speaks volumes about the impact of names on our perception of nature’s beauty and wonder.
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Thanks 😊
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You’re welcome! 😊 Have a great day!
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You as well! 😊
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A far more suitable name!! The next time you see one it is sure to be strutting.
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I sure hope so 😊
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”delectable bee vomit”
this got me in the giggles
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😂 Good! My mission was successful!
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