Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Empididae?
Posted by Stephen on 20-08-2006 16:58
#1
Is this a Dance Fly, Empididae? Is it possible to take the ID any further?
The fly was on a yellow Squash plant, 19 August 2006. West Virginia, USA, length 5.0 mm.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Posted by Stephen on 20-08-2006 17:00
#2
Dorsal view
Edited by Stephen on 20-08-2006 17:02
Posted by Jan Willem on 20-08-2006 17:07
#3
Hi Stephen,
Looks more like Sciaridae to me!
Jan Willem
Posted by Tony Irwin on 20-08-2006 17:09
#4
It's a lesser fungus gnat - Sciaridae. The venation and darkened wings suggest that it is a
Sciara species, but the females are very difficult to take to species - these days the males are usually identified using genitalia characters.
Posted by Stephen on 21-08-2006 00:39
#5
Jan, Tony, It seems you were both typing at the same time! And the good news is you both have the same answer. A new family for me.
So many fly families! It was much easier to get a handle on Coleoptera and Odonata families.
Thanks so much for your guidance.
Edited by Stephen on 21-08-2006 00:40