Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Scaeva selenitica wing question

Posted by romunov on 19-03-2009 09:22
#1

Are straight or nearly so R4+5 veins common in Scaeva selenitica? My specimen is possibly S. selenitica (this is one of three early species found locally by M. de Groot who suggested the ID) yet when I try to confirm the ID by key, I overshoot it when I compare the vein, landing in Melangyna.

Also, when I try to ID the species (on page 194), I can't see the mentioned distinctly larger anterodorsal facets (designated for S. mecogramma males.

Any comments appreciated.

Posted by romunov on 20-03-2009 23:45
#2

I believe my fly may be actually Melanogyna (perhaps compositarum), which explains the R4+5 shape (or the other way around B) ).

Posted by Andre on 22-03-2009 21:58
#3

Scaeva is a lot larger than Melangyna and much more robust.
So if you have a generally 'slender' specimen, it's probably not Scaeva.
Compare with pictures in the Syrphidae Gallery of diptera.info...

Posted by romunov on 23-03-2009 01:01
#4

Now that you've mentioned it, I did see S. selenitica near the faculty the other day, and it did appear a bit larger. However, I'm extremely fresh at this and size and shades of colors aren't that apparent yet. With time, my eye will develop for the "jizz".