Posted by lynkos on 19-08-2006 21:19
#1
Can anyone tell me something about this scene of life and death? Predator about 5 mm, photographed near Rome in Italy.
Thanks, Sarah.
Posted by Tony Irwin on 19-08-2006 22:08
#2
The predator is a
Lispe tentaculata, and I'd guess the prey is a
Muscina assimilis. (Both Muscidae).
The
Lispe has a
Lispe "jizz", the abdominal pattern is distinctive, and the hind basitarsis is swollen basally. The
Muscina has a Phaoninae "jizz", the scutellum has an orange tip, and the discal vein is curved forwards so that the end of the cell at the wing margin is about three-quarters of the greatest width of the cell.
Great action shot, Sarah! B)
Edited by Tony Irwin on 19-08-2006 22:22
Posted by lynkos on 20-08-2006 06:52
#3
Thanks Tony, not just for identifying them, but also for explaining why! Sarah.
Posted by Tony Irwin on 20-08-2006 12:39
#4
You're welcome, Sarah - and thanks for not asking exactly what the jizz is for each fly! :) As you know, jizz is a compilation of lots of little things - more of a feeling than anything that can be easily described.
Posted by lynkos on 20-08-2006 13:33
#5
Know just what you mean Tony :p, Sarah.