Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Phoridae, Hungary2

Posted by pwalter on 16-03-2009 00:12
#1

This female was found in a forest, NE Hungary, March. 2,5-3 mm long. Cool punk-head:)

Posted by pwalter on 16-03-2009 00:12
#2

2

Posted by bbrown on 10-05-2009 04:42
#3

Megaselia sp. female (Phoridae)

Posted by pwalter on 10-05-2009 21:55
#4

Thank You! Could You please look at this Phorid also?
http://www.diptera.info/forum/viewthread.php?forum_id=5&thread_id=18103

Posted by bbrown on 10-05-2009 22:25
#5

Sure, that one is a Megaselia male. I'd need to see the actual specimen to attempt a species id.


Posted by pwalter on 10-05-2009 22:59
#6

Thank again, how are such males identified? is it enough to put the genitals into KOH or NaOH and put on slide? or is the whole specimen needed to be put in KOH and put on slide?

Posted by bbrown on 11-05-2009 02:27
#7

You don't necessarily have to slide mount the specimen or even clear the genitalia; with a good microscope most specimens can be identified in alcohol. If you just need to see the genitalia, I suggest lactic acid is much safer than KOH or NaOH, with little chance of "overclearing" the structures. If you are going to slide mount the whole fly, then KOH, dehydration in clove oil, and mounting in Canada Balsam is what I'd recommend. Another option is to put the whole fly in lactic acid, identify it, then store it in glycerine in a microvial with the stopper pinned (a lazy, but convenient method).

Brian