Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Muscidae with big abdomen?
Posted by lynkos on 27-09-2006 17:28
#1
This I tentatively classify as a Muscidae. Photographed this morning in a pinewood near Rome, Italy. About 4 mm long.
Thanks, Sarah.
Posted by Nikita Vikhrev on 27-09-2006 19:55
#2
I had rather say Lauxaniidae.
Nikita
Posted by Paul Beuk on 27-09-2006 20:12
#3
Yes,
Pseudolyciella sp.
Posted by lynkos on 28-09-2006 07:13
#4
Thanks! Can anyone give me some "simple" guidelines on distinguishing a Lauxaniidae from a Muscidae? Sarah.
Posted by Tony Irwin on 29-09-2006 22:59
#5
Hi Sarah
"Simple" guidelines?
Muscidae and the other calypterate families have a complete thoracic suture - a groove running across the thorax in front of the wing bases. Lauxaniidae and the other acalypterate families have vague grooves at the sides of the thorax, but they do not meet on top.
Compare
http://www.dipter...oto_id=619 to
http://www.dipter...oto_id=609.
Also look at the tibiae. Muscidae usually have lots of bristles on the tibiae. Lauxaniidae have very few.
Posted by lynkos on 30-09-2006 08:55
#6
That's great Tony! Just hope I'll be able to apply it in the field! Sarah.
Posted by Tony Irwin on 30-09-2006 09:45
#7
For live flies - ;)
Muscidae will sit, then fly off or run and skip away quickly when you approach.
Lauxaniidae will either fly off (usually to a nearby leaf) or will walk quite slowly - they often look as though they have little energy!
Posted by lynkos on 30-09-2006 11:28
#8
That's a great added piece of information. I notice very great differences in behaviour, but to be honest I'd never really thought of it as a help to identification. Sarah.