Thread subject: Diptera.info :: House Fly ?

Posted by Stephen on 31-08-2006 11:56
#1

Is this Musca domestica? I tried to look at wing venation and the striping on the thorax, but it would be good to hear someone confirm the ID, or correct it.

Photographed in West Virginia USA.

Thanks for any help!

Posted by Tony Irwin on 31-08-2006 21:24
#2

Musca, yes, but not domestica - the frontal orbits are too wide. Musca autumnalis occurs in the US, so I think that's what this is. (Female)

Edited by Tony Irwin on 31-08-2006 22:04

Posted by Stephen on 01-09-2006 00:52
#3

Thanks, Tony! The frontal orbit is the gray speckled area surrounding the eye of the fly, basically the front part of what we might call in a mammal the eye socket?

Posted by Tony Irwin on 01-09-2006 10:24
#4

That's it. Bordering the eye are the orbits. Above the antennae are the frontal orbits (on either side of the frons - the bit in between is called the frontalia); below the antennae are the facial orbits, with the face in between.

Posted by Stephen on 01-09-2006 12:03
#5

Thanks, Tony! Diptera.info is such a great education for me.

Posted by Robert Nash on 01-09-2006 12:26
#6

More lessons? Try going to the Glossary (Menu at top left) > C > Chaetotaxy then click on the CSIRO link Explore and enjoy:p:p.

Robert

Posted by Stephen on 02-09-2006 02:35
#7

Robert, Thank-you! Looks like an excellent resource. I had a quick look at work today on a high-speed line, from which I learned this is not a good site for dial-up, which I have at home. But I can't wait to have a leisurely look at this.