Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Anthomyia sp.

Posted by Rui Andrade on 21-02-2008 21:07
#1

I found this male anthomyiid in Oporto, Portugal on the 21st of February, 2008.
I don't think this belongs to the species Anthomyia pluvialis because of what Tony Irwin said in this thread: http://www.dipter...post_27521 (on the third picture I put a red circle on what I think Tony is refering to).
Another question: regarding the first two photos, what do these different stances mean? Is it protecting its territory?

img299.imageshack.us/img299/5608/ant1ai3.jpg

img527.imageshack.us/img527/7691/ant2jb6.jpg

img505.imageshack.us/img505/2294/ant3fa5.jpg

Edited by Rui Andrade on 25-02-2008 23:21

Posted by Tony Irwin on 21-02-2008 21:49
#2

I agree that all we can say about this is that's it's Anthomyia species.
An interesting question about stance - I'm not sure that Anthomyia hold territories - possibly they do in Portugal! I wonder whether the fly which is closer to the substrate is using heat in the rock to warm up, or whether it is concerned that the higher pose is making it too conspicuous to predators. A few weeks of close observation (Nikita-style :D) may provide some of the answers.

Posted by Rui Andrade on 21-02-2008 22:09
#3

Thanks Tony:).

It is the same individual in both photos. When it became aware of my presence it would crouch. I mentioned the territory because I saw some of them brawling in the air.

Posted by Michael Ackland on 23-02-2008 16:57
#4

Could be Anthomyia quinquemaculata Macq. which is found along mediterranean latitudes from Canary Isles to Middle East. I can see no anterodorsal seta on mid tibia, and the red outlined photo detail is like the named species. Also the membranouus lobe on sternite V seems to be projecting somewhat, though A. procellaris is similar. If you want a definite id you need to examine the male genitalia, as Anthomyia in Europpe are difficult.

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 24-02-2008 16:49
#5

For those who don't know in quinquemaculata we have the words quinque that is in Latin the equivalent to number five (5). And maculata is plural in Latin meaning spots, I.E. (id est - or, in English, that is) scutum has 5 spots. [edit (this was wrong): As you can see clearly 3 on left side + 1 on scutellum, and the other not visible here.]
In A. pluvialis that red circle would have a split in those maculata in two :P

Edited by jorgemotalmeida on 24-02-2008 17:47

Posted by Michael Ackland on 24-02-2008 17:10
#6

The five spots are on the scutum, one in the centre (postsutural) and the two laterally; you don't count the one on the scutellum

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 24-02-2008 17:18
#7

thanks for the correction. :)

Look, see 2nd page . It has a photo taken by myself with the title Head of anthomyiid. Can you take a look, please? :)

Posted by Rui Andrade on 25-02-2008 23:20
#8

Thank you for your help, I'll leave it as Anthomyia sp.