[Aim]  To investigate the flight characteristics of Pelmatops ichneumoneus and Pseudopelmatops angustifasciatus (Diptera: Tephritidae), rare stalk-eyed fruit flies with large body sizes, and determine whether variations in eye-stalk length correlate with differences in flight behavior and flight mode. [Methods]  High-speed videography was used to record and analyze the takeoff and forward flight of both species, and compare their flight characteristics and kinematic parameters. [Results]  After takeoff, both species exhibited level flight, gradually increasing speed to a maximum of 0.48 m/s (Pe. ichneumoneus) and 0.46 m/s (Ps. angustifasciatus). Pe. ichneumoneus had a higher maximum speed and greater yaw rotation during turning compared to Ps. angustifasciatus. During stable flight, wingbeat frequency reached 77 Hz in Pe. ichneumoneus and 88 Hz in Ps. angustifasciatus. Furthermore, Ps. angustifasciatus had a smaller wing stroke amplitude than Pe. ichneumoneus, potentially contributing to differences in body rotation behavior. There was a positive correlation between eye stalk-to-body size ratio and flight velocity, yaw and pitch angles, wing stroke duration, and amplitude, and a negative correlation to wingbeat frequency. [Conclusion]  These results provide insights into the biomechanics and evolution of flight in stalk-eyed fruit flies and potential inspiration for the design of micro air vehicles.