Biology of stalk-eyed flies
Biologie der Stielaugenfliegen
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Several African species of Diopsidae were studied in the field and in captivity. The long, rigid eye-stalks are used for improved visual orientation and, in males, for sexual competition. The forelegs, adapted for gripping, are used in rival combats but not to capture prey.

The African Diopsis sulcifrons   © Seibt The extreme eye stalk structure requires special foreleg movements to clean the eyes. After removal of an eye stalk it is still cleaned in vacuo for several weeks. Other legs substitute clean for lacking forelegs.  © Seibt

Literature
Seibt, Uta 1972: Beschreibung und Zusammenspiel einzelner Verhaltensweisen von Stielaugenfliegen (Gattung Diopsis) unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Putzverhaltens. Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie 31, 225-239

Wickler, Wolfgang & Seibt, Uta 1972: Zur Ethologie afrikanischer Stielaugenfliegen (Diptera, Diopsidae). Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie 31, 113-130

Wickler, Wolfgang & Seibt, Uta 1972: Diopsis lunaris (Diopsidae) - Nahrungsaufnahme. Film der Encyclopaedia Cinematographica, Göttingen, E 1792/1972

Wickler, Wolfgang & Seibt, Uta 1972: Diopsis lunaris (Diopsidae) - Körperpflege. Film der Encyclopaedia Cinematographica, Göttingen, E 1793/1972