Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Calyptrate 1
Posted by Susan R Walter on 08-03-2006 23:15
#1
I am at a loss with this one taken 25 February 2006 in an east London cemetery now nature reserve. My first thought was muscid, but it has crossed bristles over the frons, and my key says muscids never have. The anal vein does not appear to reach the wing margin, the arista is plumose, the eyes have some hairs. I cannot make it run through a key even to family. Please help - what am I missing? The really frustrating thing is that this species appears to be quite common. The specimen is female and about 9-10mm.
Posted by Susan R Walter on 08-03-2006 23:18
#2
In its natural habitat - sunning on a gravestone. I can post more pics of different angles if necessary.
Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 09-03-2006 17:22
#3
Hello Susan.
This week in Sochi region, Russia, Black sea shore, I met fly looking same as yours (image attached, 9mm, common). I collected it and today I had chance to show it to my friend Andrey Ozerov. His reply was Phaonia variegata, of course, Muscidae.
To tell you truth, I was surprised that it is Phaonia (Phaonia pallidum, the only Phaonia species I knew before looks much "less brutal"), but if you search google images for "Phaonia variegata" you will find your fly.
Nikita.
Posted by Susan R Walter on 10-03-2006 11:13
#4
Nikita
Many thanks for this. I think you might be right - certainly very close. Usefully, your comments sent me back to Colyer & Hammond, and I might even be making progress with the other calyptrate I posted.
I will check for dorsal bristles on the hind tibia next week when I have time - I believe this is the definitive diagnostic for Phaonia - I did check before, but frankly, couldn't see anything unusual. Practice and experience will eventually bear fruit I hope.
Posted by Xespok on 10-09-2006 22:06
#5
I do not find P. variegata in faunaeur.org. What is its current accepted name?
Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 10-09-2006 22:23
#6
Ph. subventa