Posted by Stephen on 22-07-2006 12:47
#1
My label on this one says "Sarcophagidae."
But as I reexamined this photo today I noticed that as far as I can see, the arista are bare, not plumose. This would mean this is not Sarcophagidae?
With the bare arista and the bristly rear, then maybe this is Tachinidae?
Once again I note the white structure near the base of the wing. Is that the postscutellum? If so then that would add to the case for Tachinidae, since they have a "well-developed postscutellum"?
West Virginia USA, woodland, 16 April 2005. The fly was licking sweat from my hand, so this was a one-handed photo.
If my lens was at its closest focusing point, and I think it was, then the fly was 11.5 mm long.
Thanks for any ID help.
Edited by Stephen on 22-07-2006 12:58
Posted by Stephen on 22-07-2006 12:57
#3
I decided to post this third photo.
Two arista visible, on the antenna that is lower in the photo? Or is that second one something else, some other bristle?
Edited by Stephen on 22-07-2006 13:01
Posted by ChrisR on 22-07-2006 13:45
#4
I'd still go with Sarcophagidae - it just looks like one :D with the large pulvillae (pads on the feet) and checkerboard dusting on abdomen etc.
The white structures you are looking at (I think) are the calyptrae, which are present on all calyptrate flies - such as sarcophagids, muscids, tachinids and rhinophorids. The subscutellum/postscutellum is impossible to see on your photos because it is under the scutellum. Have a look at this web-page for a discussion on subscutellums :)
http://tachinidae.../rhino.php