Thread subject: Diptera.info :: nice Phalacrotophora (Phoridae)
Posted by Sundew on 18-06-2009 22:17
#1
Hi,
Yesterday I saw several small flies gathering on alder leaves and found them very colourful and nice-looking. Their peculiar wing venation led me to Phoridae, and the gallery pics of
Phalacrotophora were absolutely matching. As they were only labeled "spec.", I'm afraid there will be no species ID possible, but nevertheless I'd like to ask you.
I learned that these flies parasitize Coccinellidae larvae and pupae. As the Asian
Harmonia axyridis is proliferating in the Berlin region, the conditions for the reproduction of the flies should be optimal.
Regards, Sundew
Posted by Sundew on 18-06-2009 22:17
#2
More pics.
Posted by pwalter on 18-06-2009 22:22
#3
Excellent find and documentation!
Posted by Sundew on 19-06-2009 22:01
#4
Which characters would be needed for species ID?
Posted by phil withers on 20-06-2009 00:51
#5
You need to pull out the ovipositor.
Posted by Sundew on 20-06-2009 22:26
#6
I see... Now, there are only two species given for Germany in FaunEur,
P. fasciata and
P. berolinensis. I am very tempted to apply the latter name, as my flies are inhabitants of Berlin, but for science's sake I will stop at
Phalacrotophora spec. Many thanks!
Posted by Paul Beuk on 21-06-2009 20:05
#7
There are certainly more species in Germany. We already have four in the Netherlands.