Thread subject: Diptera.info :: shiny Rhagionid - Chrysopilus laetus

Posted by Sundew on 21-03-2008 00:19
#1

Hello,
This nice fly I met in our institute today, again in the gardeners' repotting room. More precisely, I freed it from an old cobweb, where it was frantically struggling. It recovered on my finger and allowed photoshooting. It was late in the afternoon, so I had to use a flash, which made the thorax reflect. Though I think it is a Rhagionid, I would have expected some stripes on the thorax, but it did not show a clear pattern. The wing pattern is perhaps more decisive? Rhagio scolopaceus would come closest but should show more grey on the body, and also the wing venation is different. Are there any other suiting families?
Thanks for help, Sundew

Edited by Sundew on 21-03-2008 15:39

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 21-03-2008 03:26
#2

Curious rhagionid.. Today (20th) I spotted my first rhagionidae of the year. A Rhagio scolopaceus.

Yours is a female. But not sure about the species... maybe a Rhagio tringarius. the problem, for example, is the lack of 3 strong vittae on scutum.

Posted by Paul Beuk on 21-03-2008 08:35
#3

Could it have been imported...?

Posted by Tony Irwin on 21-03-2008 11:58
#4

Chrysopilus laetus. In Britain this is a rare species associated with (primarily) rotten beech trees (Fagus)

Posted by Sundew on 21-03-2008 15:39
#5

Many thanks for ID, Tony! The fly surely emerged from the compost containers. The compost consists of foliage and shredded dead wood from the arboretum (no import). For flies associated with wood the arboretum with its old trees must be a paradise in the middle of the city. If Chrysopilus is possibly interested in different members of the Fagaceae family, the raging oak disease that dramatically depletes our oak species collection would guarantee a food supply for years.
To me, a very interesting find! I shall add it to the gallery.
Cordially, Sundew

Posted by Tony Irwin on 21-03-2008 17:00
#6

Certainly a good one to add to the gallery - it's rather different to most of the Chrysopilus already there.