Posted by Susan R Walter on 02-12-2007 21:23
#1
I just have no ideas at all. Not even sure of the family. 3mm, female. Arista with very long fine hairs on the upper edge, but bare below. Pattern of black squares on the abdomen. Femurs black and glossy on anterior surface. Strong spines at junction of costa and R1. No hairs under the scutellum. Palpi yellow.
From inner city park with mature deciduous woodland, areas of open long grass and small ponds with quite a bit of marginal vegetation. 14 July 2007, east London.
Posted by Susan R Walter on 02-12-2007 21:39
#3
Yes, that crossed my mind too, but I've checked the limited resources I have on that family and not come up with anything convincing.
Posted by Tony Irwin on 02-12-2007 21:50
#4
Hi Susan - it is a
Notiphila (Ephydridae) - a fairly easy genus to recognise, but tricky to ID to species. Incidentally the aristal hairing you describe is typical of many ephydrids, but not many other families. If you find a fly with an arista long-haired above and bare below - check out the ephydrids first.