Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Tachinidae, Bithia sp. (Crete)

Posted by markop on 22-09-2008 15:22
#1

I captured this fly two days ago, on 20-Sep-2008, in Crete, Greece, as it was feeding on Urginea maritima flowers. I'd say its size was about 5mm.

EDIT: My original size estimate was way off. Theo is right, its size must've been at least 8mm (compared to the flowers it's on). He identified it as Bithia sp. Thanks Theo!

Edited by markop on 24-09-2008 11:04

Posted by markop on 22-09-2008 15:25
#2

Another view:

Posted by markop on 22-09-2008 15:27
#3

Another view:

Edited by markop on 22-09-2008 15:27

Posted by Zeegers on 22-09-2008 19:26
#4

Loooks like a Dexiini, most likely Estheria or Billaea.
In which case it should have been 8 mm. at least...


Theo

Posted by markop on 23-09-2008 08:21
#5

Thanks a lot Theo!

I know I suck at estimating sizes... Now that I look at the photos again, compared to the size of the flowers it's on, I'd say you're right, it must've been more than 8mm.

Posted by Zeegers on 23-09-2008 21:46
#6

ANd I suck at identifying.
Now I see them again, the jowls are much too narrow.
I should have gone for my first hunch, see the erect scutellar bristles!:

Bithia

Difficult genus (with longer proboscis)

Theo

Posted by markop on 24-09-2008 11:08
#7

Thanks again Theo ;)

I see there is no Bithia in the gallery yet, so maybe I should submit one or two of these photos. Which ones do you think would be best?

Posted by Zeegers on 24-09-2008 17:36
#8

first and / or second, if you please,
last one looks like Phryxe (atypcial)


Theo

Posted by markop on 06-10-2008 14:57
#9

OK. I submitted better versions (better post-processing and resolution) of the first two photos to the gallery:
http://www.dipter...to_id=3491
http://www.dipter...to_id=3492

You can also find a better version of the third photo here:
http://www.flickr...881817368/