Thread subject: Diptera.info :: sudden death id ?

Posted by BubikolRamios on 23-04-2010 14:06
#1

So, I'm sure that it is <= than 12 hours since this fly landed on my window. It is now dead and seems dried. Body length 9 mm. Left image as it was found, verticaly on glass. Note white stuff spread all around (only aroud spot where it touched glass with it's rear end). What killed it, id ?

Edited by BubikolRamios on 23-04-2010 14:08

Posted by Sundew on 23-04-2010 14:24
#2

The fly is probably a Musca. The killer is Entomophthora muscae, a parasitic fungus. The white stuff are its spores that may infest other flies. See also http://www.uoguel...tomoph.htm and other internet sources about this fascinating fungus (the flies are not so fascinated, of course).
Regards, Sundew

Edited by Sundew on 23-04-2010 14:26