Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Tachinidae?
Posted by lynkos on 30-09-2006 08:07
#1
I'd marked this one down as a Tachinidae, then following Tony's link in another discussion, I found it looked very like the Exorista photographed by Nikita here:
http://www.dipter...oto_id=619. Would it be near? Photographed yesterday in the countryside near Rome, Italy. About 5 mm long.
Thanks, Sarah.
Edited by lynkos on 30-09-2006 08:08
Posted by Zeegers on 30-09-2006 13:09
#2
Well, in terms of Tachinidae this one is 'very different' from Exorista.
The topcell is closed, to name an obvious difference.
But I know that we the Calyptratae-lovers have an unusual definition of different and similar.
Anyway, the picture displays a Phyto, which is a member of the Rhinophoridae family (which, even according to me, is quite similar to Tachinidae).
Most likely Ph. melanocephala
Greetings
Theo
Posted by lynkos on 30-09-2006 18:40
#3
And I was feeling SO pleased with myself at having recognised a Tachinidae :(. Theo, you've broken my heart. Don't suppose you feel like explaining the differences between a Tachinidae and a Rhinophoridae? Sarah.
Posted by Zeegers on 01-10-2006 18:35
#4
Well, as I stated, even to me Tachinidae and Rhinophoridae are very similar. Most Phasiinae (Tachinidae) look less like an ordinary Tachinidae than any Rhinophoridae.
I can explain the difference. Beware, however, that this is formal.
In practice, one first recognizes the genus and then knows that it is therefore in Rhinophoridae. There are only some 10 genera of Rhinophoridae and most genera are quite easy to recognize.
The only 'real' difference is the following:
* Rhinophoridae are parasites of woodlice (Isopoda)
* Tachinidae of anything except woodlice.
This feature (the only without exception) is of course highly unpractical.
The shape of the posterior spiracle is rather peculiar in Rhinophoridae, but you need 40 X magnification and some experience.
In the field the traditional feature is still the most practical:
in Rhinophorids, the thoracic squama is small and divergent from the thorax (so, more like Scatophagidae / Acalyptratae)
In Tachinidae, the thoracic squama is large and strongly following the thorax (like in typical Calyptratae as blowflies and so on).
Beware, there are exceptions to this rule (like Macquartia and some Phasiinae have small squama).
In Tachinidae, the postscutellum (a cushion-like feature below, not behind, the scutellum) is strongly swollen, not to say inflated.
In Rhinophoridae, it is hardly / slightly swollen.
I would see, wait for the english translation of Oosterbroek et al. (key to families of Diptera), and all will become clear.
Now a cardiologist, and you are ready to go again.
Sorry
Theo
Posted by lynkos on 02-10-2006 17:40
#5
AAAaaagggghhhhhh gulp. Yes, that's perfectly clear (she lies), thanks Theo :o, Sarah.
Posted by Kahis on 02-10-2006 18:45
#6
I'll just add another *gulp* if you don't mind ;) Lovely and clear as winter fog.
Posted by Zeegers on 02-10-2006 20:39
#7
Pjotr Oosterbroek will save you, if the cardiologist doesn't.
Talking without illustrations is no good.
Wait for his book.
Theo
Posted by pierred on 03-10-2006 05:41
#8
Theo,
You know, we all wait for it. Actively!
Posted by crex on 03-10-2006 09:05
#9
Zeegers wrote:
...
I would see, wait for the english translation of Oosterbroek et al. (key to families of Diptera), and all will become clear.
...
Theo
What is the name of that book about to be translated? When is it supposed to be published?
Posted by Zeegers on 03-10-2006 17:41
#10
De Europese families van muggen en vliegen (Diptera).
not sure about the name of the upcoming translation.
Publisher:
KNNVuitgever, www.knnvuitgeverij.nl
I will ask about the time skedule