Diptera.info :: Identification queries :: Other insects, spiders, etc.
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 Pseudoscorpions on fly
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| LordV |
Posted on 12-09-2006 11:22
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Member Location: Posts: 671 Joined: 06.09.05 |
Wasn't sure where to post this but does anyone know if the pseudoscorpions attached to this dead fly are primary predators/parasites or just scavengers. Seems odd they way they are attached if they are just scavengers. Pic taken Yesterday the pseudoscorpions are about 2mm long. Brian V.  |
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| Tony Irwin |
Posted on 12-09-2006 15:45
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 Member Location: Norwich, England Posts: 7232 Joined: 19.11.04 |
A sad case of unsuccessful phoresy - I hope they took out travel insurance!  The pseudoscorpions (they look like Lamprochernes nodosus) were merely hitching a ride on the fly - it's a prefered method for getting from one compost heap to another. They are unlikely to have caused the death of the fly - they merely chose unreliable transport. And like the indefatigable passengers on the British Rail network, they await - wondering why it's taking so long - and remarking "it was never as bad as this when the Conservatives were in power!" 
Tony ---------- Tony Irwin |
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| LordV |
Posted on 12-09-2006 15:49
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Member Location: Posts: 671 Joined: 06.09.05 |
 So just hitching a ride and definitely not feeding ? Brian V. |
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| Tony Irwin |
Posted on 12-09-2006 22:54
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Member Location: Norwich, England Posts: 7232 Joined: 19.11.04 |
If they were feeding, they would have their legs on the ground - this is their "Hang on, we're going for a ride!" pose. And they are predators (of things smaller than themselves), not scavengers - this fly is much too big for them to tackle. Tony ---------- Tony Irwin |
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