Posted by Stephen on 23-09-2006 23:08
#1
The flies were visiting the Bull Frog, and it wasn't just a social call. They were after blood.
The photo isn't very close up for studying the flies (though it was close enough for studying the frog!)
Is it safe to say these are mosquitoes or are they some other kind of biting Dipteran? Or is it not safe to say?
Taken in early Spring in area with woodlands, meadows, a stream, and a pond, all very close together. West Virginia USA.
No size measurement is possible, but Bull Frogs are really huge, and what is shown is a back leg.
Posted by Jan Willem on 24-09-2006 14:58
#3
Difficult to see, but might be Culicidae!?
Jan Willem
Posted by Tony Irwin on 24-09-2006 16:16
#4
They are mosquitoes (Culicidae). A number of species habitually feed on frogs.
Posted by Stephen on 24-09-2006 16:35
#5
Enjoyed your photo very much Nikita!
Jan and Tony, thanks for the ID help. This would make a nice and interesting photo if I could crawl closer next time without making the frog jump away!
Posted by Paul Beuk on 25-09-2006 08:32
#6
Hmm, I got the impression the same thing happened to my back as is happening on this poor frog. :D
The way the hind legs of the midges are held upwards leaves very little alternatives for msquitoes. ;)