Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Shallow Eyes

Posted by Stephen on 01-08-2006 11:43
#1

This fly has unusually thin and shallow eyes. Overall appearance that of a robber fly. Didn't record size, but was neither large nor tiny.

Small open area, but surrounded by woods and near a wetland. West Virginia USA, 30 July 2006.

ID help appreciated!

Posted by Paul Beuk on 01-08-2006 11:44
#2

To me it indeed looks like an extra-ordinary asilid. Nothing like we have here in Europe.

Posted by Stephen on 01-08-2006 11:46
#3

Here's a second photo

Posted by Stephen on 01-08-2006 11:48
#4

The third and final photo.

Posted by Stephen on 01-08-2006 11:51
#5

News Flash: Just as I was posting these pics I noticed a very similar image that was posted two days ago on BugGuide, also taken in the eastern U.S. It was identified as genus Holcocephala.

Posted by Tony Irwin on 01-08-2006 21:51
#6

All three Holcocephala species occur in West Virginia, but this looks most like fusca or abdominalis. I'm not sure how you tell them apart, though!:|