Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Bombyliidae - Micomitra iris OR Micomitra stupida

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 15-08-2008 21:02
#1

This is a new bombyliid for me. The katapisternum has a green patch clearly. (like a green opala). The occiput has the same colour. And the sternites has about 5 greenish spots too with black and white bands alternated. Frontalia is entirely black and shiny. It is almost bare. It has the same "hairs" as was seen in vivo.
The thorax and tergites are shiny. The first tergite has a pale brown dusting too.

It was spotted near Sagres with one of the most rich places with bees and wasps. The best place in Portugal to see unusual bees and wasps is there- :)

Edited by jorgemotalmeida on 16-08-2008 17:12

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 15-08-2008 21:14
#2

another..

Posted by David Gibbs on 16-08-2008 13:09
#3

Micromitra iris/stupida

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 16-08-2008 15:19
#4

David, this seems not be a common fly. How can we split between M. iris/stupida?
The "opale" patches are really remarkable. Is it dusting?

Posted by Tony Irwin on 16-08-2008 15:30
#5

Hi Jorge -
It looks like the opal patches are scales (flattened bristles) - similar opalescent scales are found in some salticids, of course, as well as some curculionids.

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 16-08-2008 16:00
#6

yes. Salticidae spiders have opalescent scales as well, true. :)

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 16-08-2008 16:28
#7

David, I think it is Micomitra and not Micromitra?

Posted by David Gibbs on 16-08-2008 17:10
#8

jorgemotalmeida wrote:
David, I think it is Micomitra and not Micromitra?

correct, sorry, typo

not able to separeate them from photo, i have only seen iris, probably need dissection to be confident.