Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Fly with passengers

Posted by LordV on 25-08-2006 08:02
#1
Got quite excited when I spotted this fly with what appeared to be a folded under abdomen- though it was a weird conopid or something. Wasn't until I processed the pics I realised it was carrying 4 mites.
Fly about 4.5mm long. taken 24/08/06 South Coast UK.

Any idea if the mites are parasitic or just passengers?

Brian V.

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Posted by Paul Beuk on 25-08-2006 09:14
#2
The fly appears to be Drosophila hydei.

Posted by LordV on 25-08-2006 10:57
#3
Thanks Paul :)
Any idea if they are parasites or just passengers?
Brian V.

Posted by Tony Irwin on 25-08-2006 11:10
#4
They are hitch-hikers just getting a lift to the next compost heap. Probably Macrochelidae.